Who is eligible?
Any lessee or tenant who is age sixty-two years or older, or who will attain such age during the term of the lease or rental agreement, or a spouse of such person residing with him or her.
What kind of facilities does this law apply to?
This law will apply if the senior citizen is relocating to:
A. An adult care facility;
B. A residential health care facility;
C. Subsidized low income housing;
D. Senior citizen housing; or
E. A residence of a family member.
What are the responsibilities of the rental property owner?
When the tenant gives notice of his or her opportunity to move into one of the above facilities the landlord must allow:
A. for the termination of the lease or rental agreement, and
B. the release of the tenant from any liability to pay rent or other payments in lieu of rent from the termination of the lease in accordance with section 227-a of the real property law, to the time of the original termination date, and
C. to adjust any payments made in advance or payments which have accrued by the terms of such lease or rental agreement.
How do you terminate the lease?
If the tenant can move into one of the specified facilities, he or she must terminate the lease or agreement in writing no earlier than thirty days after the date on which the next rental payment (after the notice is delivered) is due and payable. The notice is deemed delivered five days after being mailed. The written notice must include documentation of admission or pending admission to one of the above mentioned facilities.
For example:
Mail the notice: May 5th
Notice received: May 10th
Next rental payment due: June 1st
Termination effective: July 1st
Will the landlord face penalties if he or she does not comply?
Yes, according to section 227-a of the real property law, if anyone interferes with the removal of your property from the premises they will be guilty of a misdemeanor and will be either imprisoned for up to one year or fined up to $1000.00 or both.
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