Q: Question about landlord's responsibilities in NY for maintenance, compliance and handling eviction case.

A: Under New York Real Property Law §235-b, landlords must maintain all premises in accordance with the Warranty of Habitability, which requires providing tenants with livable, safe, and sanitary accommodations regardless of what your lease states. Your landlord's failure to maintain the lot according to these standards may constitute a legitimate defense against eviction proceedings, especially when proper documentation of both the deficiencies and your requests for repairs exists.

New York law requires landlords to provide written notice prior to commencing eviction proceedings, and these notices must be properly served with verifiable proof of delivery; failure to demonstrate proper service may provide grounds for dismissal of the eviction case. The protections afforded to residents of 55+ communities are particularly robust, with additional safeguards against harassment under NY Real Property Law §233, which specifically addresses manufactured home parks and prohibits a park owner from engaging in conduct intended to force a resident to vacate the premises.

In your situation, documenting all instances of maintenance failures, harassment, and improper notices will strengthen your case substantially; consider filing a formal complaint with the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal and requesting a housing inspection to officially document habitability issues. The sustained pattern of alleged misconduct over twelve years potentially constitutes a violation of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing implied in all New York leases, which may provide additional remedies beyond simply defending against the current eviction action.