Evicting Aunt Edna in the Big Apple: You vs. The Rent-Controlled Octogenarian
So, your landlord dreams of finally gracing your apartment with their presence, kicking you out to live amongst the pigeons in Central Park. But what happens when your unwelcome roommate prospect has steely blue eyes and a social security card older than disco? Yes, sir, we're talking about the eviction odyssey of a senior citizen in NYC. Buckle up, because this is gonna get crazier than a Times Square Elmo impersonator.
Rent Control Rumble: The Senior Sanctuary
Now, if your apartment is rent-controlled (the holy grail of NYC housing affordability), think twice about waltzing Aunt Edna out the door. Eviction for owner occupancy is a big, fat "no way, José" if your tenacious tenant or their spouse has kissed 62 goodbyes. Apparently, NYC values a senior's grip on an affordable apartment more than your desire for peace and quiet from Aunt Edna's nightly polka sessions.
But hold on to your fedoras, there's a loophole smaller than a sequin on a showgirl's dress! You can try evicting Aunt Edna if you can provide her with an equivalent or superior apartment at the same or lower rent in the same area. Good luck finding that unicorn in the concrete jungle, my friend!
SCRIE to the Rescue (Maybe)
Let's say your apartment isn't rent-controlled, but rent-stabilized. Under SCRIE (the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption program, bless its bureaucratic acronym), you also can't evict an elderly tenant for personal use. Here's the catch: Aunt Edna (or her spouse) has to be 62 or older, with a household income under $24,000, and paying at least a third of their disposable income towards rent.
So, basically, Aunt Edna can't be living high on the hog (or pigeon) and has to be a true senior citizen to qualify for SCRIE's eviction shield.
Eviction Moratorium Madness (R.I.P.?)
Remember that whole global pandemic thing? Well, NYC had an eviction moratorium in place to protect folks from getting tossed onto the street during those wild times. While the original May 2021 end date has passed, eviction laws are constantly in flux. It's always best to check with a lawyer or tenant's rights organization for the latest updates.
In conclusion, evicting a senior citizen in NYC can be an uphill battle. Be prepared for bureaucratic hurdles, rent-controlled roadblocks, and the unwavering spirit of a tenant who's seen it all (including the disco era). Maybe just offer Aunt Edna a lifetime supply of prune juice and call it a truce.
