LLC v. 37 LLC (2024)

Per Curiam.

Order (Jeanine R. Johnson, J.), entered July 5, 2023, insofar as appealed from, reversed, without costs, petition reinstated, and the matter remanded to Civil Court for further proceedings.

Civil Court improperly dismissed this illegal lockout proceeding based upon a lack of standing. Petitioner O & C 1, LLC [O & C] was the tenant of record of the premises at the time of the alleged lockout, pursuant to a (June 2019) written lease with respondent-landlord. Thus O & C could not be evicted without legal process (see P & A Bros. v City of NY Dept. of Parks & Recreation, 184 AD2d 267, 268 [1992]), and has standing to maintain this illegal lockout proceeding (see RPAPL 713[10]).

The record so far developed is unclear as to whether co-petitioner Brooklyn Minds Psychiatry P.C. was in "actual possession" at the time of the lockout (RPAPL 713[10]). However, given the pending Supreme Court litigation between all the parties with regard to the lease (see 8 W 37 LLC v O & C 1, LLC, et al, Sup Ct NY County, index No. 653185/2022), we reinstate its petition as well, and remand for further proceedings, and express no view as to its ultimate outcome on the merits.

THIS CONSTITUTES THE DECISION AND ORDER OF THE COURT.

I concur I concur I concur

Decision Date: December 24, 2024