My landlord lied to the courts and her lawyer in order to get a non-payment case against me and a "made-up" tenant

[anders]

Originally Posted by Babytarheelz

But the OP hasn't paid in 6 months! 6 months! Come on, if the problems are as bad as they claim, why would they still be there? It only leads one to believe they're taking advantage of the situation and enjoying the free ride.

BTW, I don't recall the OP mentioning they were in NYC, just NY State. NYC does have it's own set of unique landlord tenant laws.

Nothing noted is NYC-specific: It's NY State Law.
[State law also covers NYC, with exception of NYC-specific peculiarities - primarily re: rent stabilization/control and related esoterica, which wouldn't be relevant in this instance anyway.]
And illegal conversions and code/zone violations are "nonkosher" evetywhere.

[anders]

Originally Posted by coaxum36

I didn't leave the house because i don't feel
i should have to leave, I didn't do anything wrong. If anything she should have started a holdover case against me, not a non-payment case. Even in a holdover case she would have to prove she isn't retaliating against me.

I plan of moving out eventually, I just need more time. I was planning on moving next month, but i was just laid off from my job, so it's going to take me some time. If the judge says I have to move, i will move. But i could care less what my landlord wants.

Putting aside all other issues/discussions here, and even admitting that your landlord is a lowlife:
I'd m-o-v-e -- because standing on principle actually would allow the landlord to control me, to my disadvantage.
I'd rather feel that my "stuff" and self were secure, have control over moving time and location, and have some peace of mind -- not risk possible loss and unwanted surprises, ongoing anxiety, or the need to scramble and move on minimal notice.

But see Legal Aid anyway.

[gea12345]

Originally Posted by coaxum36

My landlord is not refusing to accept my rent, she is refusing to provide a receipt. I live in New York, if a landlord is willing to accept cash as payment for rent, they are required by law to provide a receipt.


True, they should provide you with a receipt. My sister rents rooms out in her house, for the past 10 years and has never given out a receipt. You take it as it goes. I, too have lived in situations like this, and I keep them temporary, since to me they are temporary.
I can't live with people making emotional decisions, which is what happens when you live with your landlord!!

So, if you want a normal relationship, move out and get a normal landlord. You knew what you were getting into soon after you moved in or before.

Also in the state of New York, a tenant can withhold rent if a landlord refuses to fix things.

True, but you cannot arbitraily withhold rent, you have to go to court and open an escrow account.

A associate of mine did, and lived for free for a year, until the landlord made repairs. But personally I think that is wrong. I would just move out to a normal rental situation.

Also landlord retaliation is prohibited in New York, a landlord cannot try to illegally or legally evict a tenant for complaining about the living conditions. I believe the reason she is refusing to provide a receipt is because she doesn't want a paper trail that proves she has been collecting rent on an illegal apartment.

Also, true, but now you are on notice and the clock is ticking. You will have to go to court an open an escrow account, 2) contact licensing and inspections and have them come out to inspect the home. You were supposed to do this first, before you unliaterally withheld rent. and 3) pay your rent into an escrow account!! Once your landlord goes to court and gets a license to rent, watch out!!
.

good luck!!