New York, NY asked in Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for New York

Q: My Apartment is refusing to sign my lease or accept rent. Now they are suing me in civil court for all the fees and rent

How do I force them to renew my lease? How do I get out of paying them anything or at least anything until they renew my lease? The apartment and building have had terrible conditions including no gas for months unreliable heat and hot water, dangerous elevator constantly out of service, in repaired hazards in my apartment, and infestations. I also previously sued the landlord when lead was found in the paint in my unit downstairs — and won. This new litigation feels a lot like clear retaliation ESPECIALLY since they are regarding this as a civil case not a housing court matter this preventing me from obtaining free representation.

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