This pamphlet is based on New York law. If you have any questions about your particular situation, you should consult a lawyer. Except under certain limited circumstances, an owner or landlord may not evict a tenant without first beginning a legal proceeding against a tenant. The actual removal of the tenant and the tenant's belongings from the premises may not be done by anyone other than a Marshal or Sheriff who has a court order. An owner is entitled to receive the rent on time and is not required to send a bill for rent to the tenant.
Most lease agreements provide that rent is payable in advance at the beginning of the month.
Owners may resort to summary proceedings in court to remove a non-paying tenant from possession of the premises. If rent is paid in cash, upon the tenant's request, the owner is obligated to provide a written receipt. An owner may enter a rented unit to inspect the premises, make repairs, supply services and, if the lease so provides, to show the property to prospective purchasers, tenants and others. The owner may only enter at reasonable times and, if the lease so provides, only after advance notice. The owner may enter the premises without tenant's consent if there is an emergency or if the tenant has abandoned the premises.