Steven W Smollens Atty At Law: A Trusted Advocate for NYC Tenants

Steven W Smollens Atty At Law Introduce

In a city like New York, where housing can be complex and challenging, knowing your rights as a tenant is essential. Finding a knowledgeable and trustworthy attorney to help navigate landlord-tenant disputes can make all the difference. Steven W Smollens, Attorney at Law, is a well-established legal professional with a dedicated practice focused on tenant rights in the city. With a career spanning several decades, Attorney Smollens has devoted himself to advocating for everyday New Yorkers, protecting them from landlord abuses and ensuring they are treated with the fundamental fairness and dignity they deserve. His practice is built on a deep understanding of New York City's intricate housing laws, providing clients with expert guidance on critical issues ranging from rent disputes to habitability concerns.

The law office of Steven W Smollens is located in the heart of the city at 25 Waterside Plaza, New York, NY 10010, USA. This unique address places the firm within a residential complex situated on the East River, offering a convenient and accessible location for clients. The Waterside Plaza community is a prominent residential area in the Kips Bay neighborhood, making the firm's office a highly practical choice for the many residents who live in large apartment buildings and may need legal advice on tenant matters. The office is easily reachable by public transportation and offers a comfortable, private setting for consultations. In terms of amenities, the office is equipped with a restroom for the convenience of all visitors.

Steven W Smollens focuses on a select number of critical legal areas, allowing him to provide highly specialized and effective counsel. His practice is centered on two fundamental pillars of tenant law in New York City: general maintenance and rent stabilization. These are often the most common and challenging legal issues faced by renters in the city.

Rent Stabilization: In New York City, rent-stabilized apartments provide crucial protections for tenants by limiting how much a landlord can increase rent each year and ensuring the right to a lease renewal. This system is governed by a complex set of laws and regulations, and disputes often arise over rent overcharges, fraudulent claims of deregulation, or improper rent increases for building-wide improvements. Attorney Smollens assists tenants in understanding their rights under these laws and represents them in legal proceedings to challenge unlawful practices. He helps clients to verify their apartment's rent history and ensures that landlords comply with all legal requirements, protecting tenants from displacement and excessive rent hikes. His in-depth knowledge of these specific laws is a significant advantage for any New York renter navigating a dispute with their landlord.
General Maintenance: New York State law includes a "Warranty of Habitability" which guarantees that every residential tenant is entitled to a livable, safe, and well-maintained apartment. The responsibility for general maintenance, which includes providing essential services and making necessary repairs, falls squarely on the landlord. However, tenants often face legal challenges when landlords fail to uphold this duty. The firm provides legal counsel to help tenants resolve issues such as inadequate heat or hot water, pest infestations, mold, leaks, or other hazardous conditions. A tenant attorney can help a client document these issues properly, communicate with the landlord in a legally sound manner, and, if necessary, take legal action in Housing Court to compel the landlord to make repairs and provide essential services. These cases, often referred to as "HP Actions" in court, are a core part of protecting a tenant's right to a decent home.

The Law Office of Steven W Smollens prides itself on a few key features and highlights that set it apart. These attributes focus on client service and a deep commitment to the community.

Restroom: A restroom is available for client comfort and convenience during appointments.
Decades of Experience: With a practice that has been active for over four decades, Attorney Smollens brings a level of expertise and historical perspective to landlord-tenant law that is difficult to find. This long-standing commitment demonstrates his deep understanding of the ever-changing legal landscape in New York City.
Tenant-Focused Practice: The firm's exclusive focus on representing tenants means that all of its energy and expertise are dedicated to protecting the rights of renters. This specialization ensures that clients receive tailored advice and representation from a lawyer who is a true advocate for the "underdog."
Responsive and Knowledgeable Counsel: Based on feedback from past clients, the firm has a reputation for being exceptionally responsive. Attorney Smollens is consistently praised for providing quick, clear, and comprehensive answers to client questions, a quality that is highly valued during a stressful legal matter.

To schedule a consultation or learn more about the legal services offered, you can contact the office using the information below.

Address: 25 Waterside Plaza, New York, NY 10010, USA

Phone: (212) 619-7787

When choosing a lawyer, what is worth choosing is often determined by a lawyer's reputation for both legal expertise and personal character. Based on the public feedback from clients, Steven W Smollens is an attorney who consistently delivers on both fronts. Numerous reviews describe his guidance as "amazing," "very helpful," and "excellent." Clients have expressed gratitude for his ability to provide "concise answers" and to explain complex legal issues "in lay person terms," which is invaluable for those who are unfamiliar with the legal system. His responsiveness and kindness are also frequently highlighted, with clients noting that he is "very quick and responsive" and "extremely knowledgeable and very kind." One reviewer noted with great respect that he had the honesty to recommend that they find a lawyer in their own county to save money, demonstrating a client-first approach that prioritizes their best interests above all else.

The consistent praise for his dedication and empathy speaks volumes about his character. One client shared that Attorney Smollens was able to put their mind at ease during an "unfortunate event," while another noted his diligent work saved them from a "precarious situation" that arose from dubious advice from another attorney. This recurring theme of professionalism, trustworthiness, and a genuine desire to help those who feel powerless is a powerful reason to choose this firm. His decades of experience as a tenant advocate are not just a point of fact but a testament to his unwavering commitment to his chosen field. For any New Yorker facing a landlord-tenant issue, particularly those related to rent stabilization or a lack of maintenance, choosing a lawyer who has dedicated his career to protecting the rights of tenants is a decision that offers not only expert legal counsel but also the peace of mind that comes from working with a truly dedicated advocate.