March 19, 2001
This is in response to your letter of November 28. You inquire whether, as a tenant of a rent controlled housing accommodation, you are obligated to sign a lease.
Such tenancies are statutory, as a tenant's right to remain is not derived from a lease agreement with the landlord, but by virtue of the compulsion which the law exerts on the landlord to allow such tenant to stay. Therefore, a tenant of a rent controlled housing accommodation is not required to sign a lease.
We trust that we have fully responded to your inquiry.
Please be advised that this opinion letter is not a substitute for a formal agency order issued upon prior notice to all parties and with all parties having been afforded an opportunity to be heard.
Very truly yours,
Charles Goldstein
Associate Counsel
By: John D. Lance
Senior Attorney
CG: JDL
cc: Deputy Commissioner Roldan
(COL-1018)
Last updated on 04/08/08