Rochester, NY asked in Criminal Law and Landlord - Tenant for New York

Q: Friend renting from me (no lease) will not leave. Can I take away his cable box (that I pay for) & change the Wifi PW?

I'd rather not travel down the path of eviction but will if necessary. If I were to prevent his ability to watch TV or use the internet, he'd be bored as hell all the time and would most likely just leave on his own. I'm aware you can't just throw someone's belongings outside and change the locks or risk being sued, so I want to make sure denying his cable and internet is legal. From what I've read I think it's ok because it's not considered a "necessity", but I want to make sure before moving forward.

Note: There is no lease between us. He just pays me every month and rents a couple rooms in my home, so there is no contract that says I have to provide anything.

3 Lawyer Answers
Barry E. Janay
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Answered
  • Livingston, NJ
  • Licensed in New York

A: Yes. Get ready for a fight.

1 user found this answer helpful

Michael David Siegel
Michael David Siegel
Answered
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: You do not have to provide cable unless it is in lease.

1 user found this answer helpful

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
Answered
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: If the lease agreement includes such tv and wifi, you may be sued for breach of contract and/or constructive eviction. It may be required to evict him formally to protect yourself. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website. I practice law in CA, NY, MA, and DC in the following areas of law: Business & Contracts, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Child Custody, and Education Law. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.

1 user found this answer helpful

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