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New York Contracts Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation, Small Claims and Libel & Slander for New York on
Q: Can my friend sue me for rent and transportation services after I stayed with them as a guest?

I recently stayed at my friend's apartment. I had asked in advance if I could come and she consented. We did not discuss any payment. I slept on the apartment floor for 5 nights. They picked me up from the airport and we did some travel activities together. We also did some outdoor photo shoot... Read more »

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on May 20, 2023

A text, after the fact, stating “ I’m happy to pay the expenses you demanded” is not itself a contract. The factual circumstances and your friend’s specific claim as to why they claim you owe the money will be the relevant points. If, for example, your friend claimed there was in fact an... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for New York on
Q: is it legal to sublet to multiple tenants if the leasing contract didn't prohibit but require landlord's written consent

I live in a 2-bath,2-bed apartment. I have sublet to one tenants and consider future one for the last 2 months which doesn't violate the contract I signed with the apartment. However, the apartment unreasonably reject for the second sublet process. Also, can my roommate refuse to sign the... Read more »

Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
answered on May 3, 2023

Generally, a sublease is not for a room but for the entire apartment in NYC. You already have a Roommate that is now a breach of lease since a Roommate is not a lawful occupant of an apartment when the tenant does not live there with the Roommate.

A 'Roommate' has no legal status...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law, Land Use & Zoning and Landlord - Tenant for New York on
Q: I guess the question is, how in any way could a contract, lease, agreement, etc. be enforceable if it wasn't signed?
Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Mar 30, 2023

Contracts generally do not need to be in writing to be enforceable. Certain types of contracts do, such as those for the sale of real property or leases for periods of more than year. But unless excepted from the “statute of frauds” which requires certain agreements to be memorialized in... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Collections and Contracts for New York on
Q: How do I create a motion to dismiss in NY based on a time lapse of 13 yrs (dormancy) with regards to a rental contract?

Had an agreement with an apartment complex back in 2010. Moved out and didn’t hear from them for quite sometime.

All of sudden started being harassed by a debt collection agency. Asked for them to produce a right of ownership of debt and written contracts. They were unable to do... Read more »

Michael David Siegel
Michael David Siegel
answered on Mar 29, 2023

You did not state the reason for the failure of your defense, but you are not handling this correctly, and you should really talk to a lawyer if the sum being sought justifies it. You should answer to avoid default, and not re-make the same motion you already lost. Service issues are not relevant... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims, Collections and Contracts for New York on
Q: I was contacted by a lawyer who presented himself as "a debt collector" through a motion to disclose in New York State.

The action in question was a contract for a rental agreement, Between a company that I can no longer locate and occured in 2010.

It is my belief that this lawyer, debt collector, purchsed the debt and after 13 yrs.

although there was some contact before the 6 yr period elapsed,... Read more »

Daniel Michael Luisi
Daniel Michael Luisi
answered on Mar 29, 2023

Realistically you need the help of an attorney to prepare your motion papers, or at least review what you plan to submit. That is what is indicated from the way your case has proceeded so far. Alternatively you can continue on your own and accept whatever result comes. Be aware that if the case... Read more »

4 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Does my boyfriend have a claim to a house deeded to me?

I purchase a house fresh out of college. It is deeded to me; my boyfriend co signed on the loan. We broke up and I asked him to move out. For 2 + year, he contributed $200.00 to monthly expenses, while I paid the taxes, furniture etc. He now wants 50,000 from me. AM I wrong given the house is... Read more »

Peter J. Weinman
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answered on Mar 23, 2023

I agree with attorney Nelson - absent a written agreement to the contrary, he has no rights or interest in the property if he is not on the deed. Based on what you've stated, his payment of $200 per month sounds like it would amount to less than rent would have been, so even if he were to sue... Read more »

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4 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Does my boyfriend have a claim to a house deeded to me?

I purchase a house fresh out of college. It is deeded to me; my boyfriend co signed on the loan. We broke up and I asked him to move out. For 2 + year, he contributed $200.00 to monthly expenses, while I paid the taxes, furniture etc. He now wants 50,000 from me. AM I wrong given the house is... Read more »

Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
answered on Mar 23, 2023

Dear Home Owner:

Based on your statement your ex has no legal claim to joint ownership of your house. New York State relies upon a recorded deed as evidence of an interest in the title to ownership of real property.

It is fortunate for you that the ex voluntarily moved out....
Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Mortgage - Acknowledgement of Contribution - is he fully responsible now?

A few years ago my boyfriend’s parents were struggling financially and ended up modifying their mortgage loan (details unknown).

In this process, they asked my boyfriend to sign an acknowledgement of contribution stating that he lives there, is their son, and has been “contributing... Read more »

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Mar 20, 2023

Acknowledging a contribution for the purpose of a loan modification does not create personal liability on the existing note. The lender does sometimes ask for authorization to run a credit report of a contributor, and if he was living there the address should show as a residence. But since he is... Read more »

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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Copyright and Intellectual Property for New York on
Q: Do I own the artwork after paying a "boardwalk artist" for my caricature?

I paid the artist for my caricature, and (because I have a sense of humor) I later decided to use it in my online marketing materials. Do I need his permission? And since he signed the work, must I include his signature when using the work?

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp
answered on Mar 15, 2023

Because you paid the artist, it is a "work for hire" and owned by you. If you are using the work for commercial purposes, it would be prudent to register the copyright in the work and in the application you will identify the artist as having created the work for you.

You have no...
Read more »

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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Copyright and Intellectual Property for New York on
Q: Do I own the artwork after paying a "boardwalk artist" for my caricature?

I paid the artist for my caricature, and (because I have a sense of humor) I later decided to use it in my online marketing materials. Do I need his permission? And since he signed the work, must I include his signature when using the work?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 29, 2023

When you paid the "boardwalk artist" for your caricature, you purchased a physical copy of the artwork, but it does not necessarily mean that you own the copyright to the image. The copyright is owned by the artist, unless they transfer the rights to you in writing.

If you want to...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Contracts for New York on
Q: Is my service contract I entered into enforceable or is it null and void

Accounting firm is based and registered in PA, they did not register to do business in NY. My company is based and registered in NY and all business is conducted in NY.

David H. Relkin
David H. Relkin
answered on Mar 9, 2023

You must keep separate two concepts: the law of the state that will interpret a contract and where and whether entities are "citizens" (or, states in which they are doing business) of a particular state.

I don't have the benefit of your contract, but taking your language...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Contracts for New York on
Q: Is my service contract I entered into enforceable or is it null and void

Accounting firm is based and registered in PA, they did not register to do business in NY. My company is based and registered in NY and all business is conducted in NY.

Mathew Paulose Jr.
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Mathew Paulose Jr.
answered on Mar 9, 2023

Greetings. It appears you would like to know if a contract between a NY company and an out of state company that is unregistered to do business in NY is enforceable. Generally speaking, a contract between two interstate parties is enforceable, notwithstanding registration. A state's... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Banking and Securities Law for New York on
Q: Can you purchase shares of a private Company on the Secondary Market but NOT disclose the purchase to the Company?

In other words, does the Seller of the shares have to disclose the sale to the Company, inclusive of who the Buyer is?

Mathew Paulose Jr.
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Mathew Paulose Jr.
answered on Mar 6, 2023

Greetings. It appears you would like to purchase shares of a non-public company. A purchaser who meets the SEC definition of a qualified purchaser may buy shares of a non-public company. Often brokers are required to facilitate the purchase. Due diligence is also required. During the due... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Contracts for New York on
Q: Did a job with the client had a contract and a client tried to turn around and ask for some of their money back

Drew up a contract with a client supposed to do a move on a particular day. Was not able to finish the move on that day due to circumstances. Client stayed behind the following day till the client that they could leave tried to work out other arrangements of the client didn't have to stay... Read more »

Mathew Paulose Jr.
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Mathew Paulose Jr.
answered on Mar 3, 2023

Greetings. It appears that you are experiencing a dispute over your contract. Where a party is to perform by a date certain, the failure to meet that deadline is not a material breach of the contract, as contract performance is measured by reasonable performance. However, if the date certain is... Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Contracts for New York on
Q: Did a job with the client had a contract and a client tried to turn around and ask for some of their money back

Drew up a contract with a client supposed to do a move on a particular day. Was not able to finish the move on that day due to circumstances. Client stayed behind the following day till the client that they could leave tried to work out other arrangements of the client didn't have to stay... Read more »

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 3, 2023

In large part, the answer to your question depends on what the circumstances are that prevented your company from completing the move on the designated day.

Ordinarily, if a contractor promises to perform a service on a particular day and then fails to do so, the contractor is responsible...
Read more »

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4 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Business Formation for New York on
Q: Hi, I've put my apartment on Airbnb and curious how I should split the profit with my boyfriend.

I got the apartment(lease) by my self and lived there for a year by myself, I put down deposit, I paid a guarantor fee every month, decorated and bought all the furniture, I am doing all the daily maintenance of the Airbnb account and finding cleaner, photograper etc. My boyfriend moved in a year... Read more »

Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
answered on Feb 28, 2023

Dear Brooklyn Tenant

Hello. If your apartment is in a building with at least two more apartments, you must be very careful.

First, your lease may prohibit Airbnb. Most leases in NYC will not allow for use of the apartment for short-term rental. Most leases prohibit profiteering...
Read more »

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4 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Business Formation for New York on
Q: Hi, I've put my apartment on Airbnb and curious how I should split the profit with my boyfriend.

I got the apartment(lease) by my self and lived there for a year by myself, I put down deposit, I paid a guarantor fee every month, decorated and bought all the furniture, I am doing all the daily maintenance of the Airbnb account and finding cleaner, photograper etc. My boyfriend moved in a year... Read more »

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 4, 2023

Determining how to split the profit from your Airbnb listing can be a complex issue that may depend on a number of factors, including the financial contributions of each party, the level of effort and involvement required, and any other agreements or arrangements you have in place.

Based on...
Read more »

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4 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Business Formation for New York on
Q: Hi, I've put my apartment on Airbnb and curious how I should split the profit with my boyfriend.

I got the apartment(lease) by my self and lived there for a year by myself, I put down deposit, I paid a guarantor fee every month, decorated and bought all the furniture, I am doing all the daily maintenance of the Airbnb account and finding cleaner, photograper etc. My boyfriend moved in a year... Read more »

Peter Klose
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Peter Klose
answered on Feb 28, 2023

Your question raises some questions. Is your BF on the Lease? I am not sure how you obtained a Lease without a SSN, so I am not sure why that matters now. Also, does your landlord, municipality, and building permit short term rentals like AirBnB? Why is he entitled to any "profit."... Read more »

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4 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Business Formation for New York on
Q: Hi, I've put my apartment on Airbnb and curious how I should split the profit with my boyfriend.

I got the apartment(lease) by my self and lived there for a year by myself, I put down deposit, I paid a guarantor fee every month, decorated and bought all the furniture, I am doing all the daily maintenance of the Airbnb account and finding cleaner, photograper etc. My boyfriend moved in a year... Read more »

Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson
answered on Feb 28, 2023

From a practical perspective (which is what it sounds like you are asking), an appropriate way to split income from the unit would be to first deduct all expenses and then to split the net income according to proportions of rent paid.

So first you would deduct all of the fees and costs...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and International Law for New York on
Q: I have an American client who has stocks, bonds, and other liquid assets in Russia currently frozen.

I have an American client who has stocks, bonds, and other liquid assets in Russia currently frozen. The US and EU sanctions don’t apply to me, to the client, or to these assets. Can US lawyers help me sell, transfer, or otherwise get them out?

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Feb 27, 2023

I’ve been asked a number of times about getting investment money out of Russia without violating US and EU sanctions and avoiding Russian monetary limitations enacted in response to the sanctions. Indeed, the topic appeared in a recent article in Bloomberg, but, handled correctly, this topic has... Read more »

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