As a landlord, few things are more frustrating than discovering serious damage to rental property by a tenant. From broken appliances to holes in the walls or water damage, these issues often lead to heated disputes over property damage. At the Law Office of Seth Rosenfeld, we represent landlords in Astoria and throughout Queens County when tenants cause damage and disagreements arise.

What Landlords Can Do If a Tenant Damages Property

Under New York property damage laws, landlords have the right to hold tenants responsible for damage beyond normal wear and tear. That can mean:

• Using security deposit deductions to cover repairs.
• Starting an eviction process if the damage is serious enough.
• Filing a claim or lawsuit against the tenant for reimbursement.

Many landlords ask, can you sue a tenant for property damage? The answer is yes. If repair costs exceed the security deposit, you can pursue legal action to recover what you’ve lost.

Can a Landlord Evict a Tenant for Damaging Property?

Yes, landlords have the right to begin eviction proceedings if the tenant’s actions cause substantial harm to the rental unit. Landlords’ rights if tenants damage property are clear under New York law: if the damage makes the apartment unsafe or violates the lease terms, eviction may be justified.

The Role of Renters Insurance

Another question we often hear is, does renters insurance cover property damage? The truth is, renters insurance usually protects the tenant’s belongings—not the landlord’s property. In many cases, the landlord must rely on the security deposit, legal remedies, or their own insurance. That’s why having a knowledgeable property damage lawyer is so important.

Protecting Your Rights as a Landlord

If you’re facing a dispute with a tenant, don’t try to handle it alone. Our skilled property damage attorney in Astoria can guide you through the legal process, help you recover repair costs, and defend your rights in court if necessary.

At the Law Office of Seth Rosenfeld, we regularly handle cases involving:

• Disputes over property damage
• Security deposit disagreements
• Evictions tied to property destruction
• Lawsuits for compensation under property damage laws

We know how stressful these disputes can be, and we’re here to protect landlords from unnecessary financial loss. Contact our Astoria law firm today for a free consultation!

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