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NYC Housing Court Glossary

Succession Rights

Plain EnglishYou have the right to stay after the main tenant leaves

Legal Definition

The right of qualifying family members to take over a rent-stabilized lease when the tenant of record leaves or dies, if they lived with the tenant as their primary residence for at least two years.

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Practical Tip

If you've lived there long enough and qualify as a family member, you may be entitled to a lease — even if your name was never on one.

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Related Terms
RPAPL →Stipulation →Traverse Hearing →Undertenant →

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