Thomas Zichettello Esq.
Attorney at Law in NYC
2141 Richmond Rd., Staten Island, NY 10306
The Law Firm
Our firm brings together diverse experience to serve you effectively. Thomas Zichettello, Esq. leads the practice with legal expertise sharpened by his background as an NYPD officer. His law enforcement experience gives him unique insight into negotiations and courtroom dynamics.
Supporting the firm are Richard Zichettello, a former Court Clerk and Claims Adjustor who understands how courts operate from the inside, and Ben Zichettello, whose engineering and programming background brings analytical precision to legal research and case preparation.
This combination of legal knowledge, practical law enforcement experience, and technical skill means your case gets thorough attention from multiple angles.
- Landlord Tenant Cases
Expert legal assistance for landlord-tenant disputes.
- OATH / ECB Summons
Legal services for preparing defenses for ECB Summons / Violations.
- Personal Injury
Professional representation in personal injury cases.
- Civil Court Small Claim Actions
Guidance and support for small claims court matters.
- Wills / Estate
Assistance in drafting and executing wills.
- Contracts
Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts.
Free Initial Consultation
Dealing with a legal issue is stressful. Whether you're facing an eviction, recovering from an injury, or need help with a contract, we're here to help you understand your options.
We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation. No pressure, no obligation—just straightforward advice about what you can do next.
Call or email us today to schedule your consultation.
Email Us
Location
- Negotiate lease agreements
- Represent clients in eviction proceedings
- Resolve disputes over rent and repairs
- File eviction notices
- Represent landlords or tenants in court
- Negotiate move-out agreements
Common Actions and Concerns of a Landlord Tenant Lawyer in NYC
We provide a range of services for both landlords and tenants, navigating the complexities of New York City's housing laws. Below is what our firm regularly handles:
For Landlords:
- Non-Payment Proceedings
- Initiating legal action to recover unpaid rent.
- Drafting and serving rent demands.
- Representing landlords in Housing Court.
- Negotiating payment plans or settlements.
- Addressing tenant defenses, such as warranty of habitability claims.
- Holdover Proceedings
- Evicting tenants for reasons other than non-payment of rent, such as:
- Lease violations (e.g., illegal subletting, keeping unauthorized pets).
- Lease expiration without renewal.
- Owner use of the property.
- Drafting and serving termination notices.
- Representing landlords in Housing Court.
- Handling cases involving rent-regulated apartments.
- Process Service
- Ensuring proper legal notification to tenants.
- Hiring and overseeing process servers to deliver court documents (rent demands, notices of petition and petition, etc.).
- Adhering to strict legal requirements for service to establish court jurisdiction.
- Lease Drafting and Review
- Creating legally sound lease agreements.
- Reviewing existing leases to ensure compliance with current laws.
- Advising on lease terms and conditions.
- General Landlord-Tenant Advice
- Providing counsel on landlord rights and responsibilities.
- Advising on compliance with NYC Housing Maintenance Code, Rent Stabilization Law, and other applicable regulations.
- Handling disputes outside of court, such as lease renewals, repairs, and security deposit issues.
- HP Proceedings
- Initiating actions to compel landlords to make necessary repairs and maintain habitable conditions.
- Negotiation and Settlement
- Negotiating with tenants or their attorneys to reach mutually agreeable resolutions, such as:
- Stipulations of settlement.
- Buyouts.
- Payment plans.
Key Considerations in NYC:
- Rent Regulation
NYC has extensive rent control and rent stabilization laws, significantly impacting eviction proceedings and rent increases.
- Tenant Rights
NYC law provides strong protections for tenants, making it crucial for landlords to follow proper procedures.
- Housing Court
NYC Housing Court handles a high volume of cases, requiring efficiency and expertise.
- Right to Counsel
Many low-income tenants in NYC have a right to free legal representation in Housing Court.
- Defend business owners against ECB violations, to eliminate or significantly reduce fines.
- Prepare defense strategy for facing an ECB summons regarding property alterations or department of sanitation violations
- Secure significant settlements for all types of personal injuries
- Representation for car accidents or slip & falls, resulting in compensation for damages and medical bills
- A successful track history in negotiations
- Guide you through the small claims process to successfully recover unpaid debt.
- Assist in resolving a contract dispute efficiently in small claims court.
- Draft comprehensive wills, power of attorney, and healthcare proxy documents for a family.
- Establish a trust to protect assets for beneficiaries.
- Assist executors in navigating the probate process smoothly and efficiently.
- Draft contracts and agreements
- Review contracts for legal compliance
- Negotiate contract terms
- Advise on breach of contracts with remedies and options.
- Review and negotiate complex software licensing agreement for a tech company. (Ex: Lifelock)