How Corrupt Brooklyn Housing Court, Legal Aid and Court Judges are destroying small landlords in NYC

The Kings County Housing Court in Brooklyn is infamous for its tenant-friendly bias, making it incredibly difficult for small landlords to navigate the legal process. Many of the judges overseeing these cases come from legal aid backgrounds, creating conflicts of interest and often resulting in rulings that heavily favor tenants. Small landlords face not only legal challenges but also disrespect and mistreatment from court staff, including guards, secretaries, and clerks, who seem unaware that landlords’ taxes fund their salaries. This biased system, combined with long procedural delays and the challenges of dealing with squatters, leaves many landlords financially strained and without fair resolutions. “Cash for keys” settlements have become a frequent outcome, as landlords are left with little choice but to pay tenants to vacate. The harsh reality is that the housing court system in New York City, particularly in Kings County, is broken, leaving small property owners at a significant disadvantage.

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