Evictions are not one-size-fits-all. Two of the most common ways landlords try to get back a rental unit are holdover evictions and non-payment evictions. They may look alike, but they are based on different legal reasons. They also need different notices, different proof, and are used in different situations. Knowing which one fits your case can help you avoid delays and extra costs.
What Is a Non-Payment Eviction?
A non-payment eviction happens when a tenant still has the right to live in the unit, but they have not paid the rent that is owed. The landlord usually wants two things: the unpaid rent and the unit back if the tenant will not pay. In many places, the landlord must first give a written notice that says “pay the rent or move out.” This notice gives the tenant a short time to fix the problem.
A key point in non-payment cases is the tenant’s right to catch up. If the tenant pays all the rent due (and sometimes other allowed costs) during the legal time period or by a court deadline, the case may stop or be paused.
What Is a Holdover Eviction?
A holdover eviction is different. It is about the tenant’s right to stay, not about rent. In a holdover case, the landlord says the tenant no longer has a legal right to live there. This can happen if the lease ended, if a month-to-month tenancy was properly ended, or if the tenant broke important lease rules, like having an unauthorized person live there, causing major problems for others, or doing illegal activity.
For holdover cases, the landlord does not give a rent demand. Instead, the landlord must give a termination notice or a notice to cure and then terminate, depending on local rules. The landlord must prove the reason for ending the tenancy and must prove that the notice was served the right way. In some cases, taking rent after ending the tenancy can hurt the holdover case.
When to File Each Type
File a non-payment eviction when rent is owed, and you are okay with the tenant staying if they pay. File a holdover eviction when your main goal is to end the tenancy, even if rent is up to date. A holdover may also fit when rent is owed, but the lease is already over, and you want the unit back. If both rent problems and tenancy-ending issues are happening at the same time, timing and local rules matter. Some courts allow you to bring both claims, while others do not.
Get Help with the Right Filing
If you are deciding between holdover and non-payment, do not guess. A small notice or filing mistake can cause your case to be thrown out and force you to start over. For clear, careful help, get the service from Siddiqi Law Group PC. We guide landlords on the right notice, the right eviction type, and the best way to file so you can protect your property and your time.
This post was written by a professional at Siddiqi Law Group PC. https://www.flatrateevictionny.com/ is a trusted real estate and landlord-tenant law firm in New York, serving Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. With over 40 years of combined experience, our landlord lawyers and tenant eviction attorneys handle holdover and non-payment cases, building violations, fire code issues, deed transfers, and real estate closings. Whether you’re a property owner or tenant, our team provides clear guidance and efficient representation. Contact Siddiqi Law Group PC for an experienced landlord lawyer in NYC you can trust.