I don't want to leave my sublet. (appointed, sublease)

[Young student]

I moved into a illegal sublet apartment. The woman that sublet it to me told me that the last people it was subleased to were in the apartment for 5 years. She also said that I could stay for at least a year. I moved from 2 hours away to attend school. I bought all new furniture, I painted myself at my expense, I turned on cable in my name and I even changed my address on my license. I have been in my new apartment for only 2 months. Today see told me that she wanted the apartment back the first of next month which is in 28 days. I have payed her on time, have had no complaints and have done no damage of any kind to the apartment. We have nothing in writing and the landlord does not know that I am here. Is there anything I can do to make her honor her initial word of at least one year? HELP!

[Chava61]

I would guess that the answer is no.

[WithDisp]

Hmm... no written lease- once you hit 90 days I'd squat. The LL will probably go after her...

Find out who the landlord is an explain the situation and take the lease up directly with them.

[Young student]

when you say one I hit 90 days its a squat...do I
need to prove 90 days ...would a check written to her do the trick?

[Harlem resident]

Originally Posted by Young student

when you say one I hit 90 days its a squat...do I
need to prove 90 days ...would a check written to her do the trick?

Yes, and keys to the place and proofs of address.

No sympathy for the subletter - everybody wants to exploit something to make money and I cannot stand this.

Granted I do not know the whole story, but I do know many, many people who make money from regulated apartments where they do not and have not for some time lived.

[crescent22]

change those locks!

[livingsinglenyc]

Find out who the landlord is from the other tenants in the building then go directly to the landlord. But next time sign a lease!

[Kiki1222]

Originally Posted by crescent22

change those locks!

Are you kidding? Come on.....

[Harlem resident]

If you contact the landlord, s/he will likely file a holdover proceeding against you, and one against the primary tenant.

You have a better chance of winning, probably.

If you change the locks you may be in violation of the lease.

[Cida]

It's hard for me to believe that a young student would be so foolish, especially if you happen to be new to the city, to choose an illegal sublet with no lease. For future reference, the best way to make someone honor his initial word is to have a contract - otherwise known as a lease, if it's a matter of housing. I do understand that you must feel angry and cheated, but there's nothing you can really do. The only thing you might try is to tell her that you feel very disappointed and betrayed, and that you'd appreciate if she would at least give you 60 days. It would be fun to ask her to pay your moving costs, just to see how she'd react.