EXCLUSIVE: Bed-Stuy landlord says tenant owes nearly $60K in 3 years of back rent
Kemar Lafayette says the tenant, who lives in the second-floor apartment of his house, has not paid rent since 2021.
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A Bed-Stuy landlord says for three years he has been struggling to evict a tenant who owes nearly $60,000 in unpaid rent.
Kemar Lafayette says the tenant, who lives in the second-floor apartment of his house, has not paid rent since 2021.
Despite following legal channels to pursue eviction, Lafayette says the situation has only worsened.
"I'm trying to do the right thing, trying to go to the right channel, like within the law. But I'm getting no result," he told News 12.
Lafayette installed surveillance cameras throughout the property to document what he describes as repeated violations.
The footage shows the tenant smoking indoors, removing posted signs and lifting floorboards, which Lafayette says caused water damage in his mother's first-floor apartment.
"She just be doing the most outrageous things," he said.
News 12 attempted to speak with the tenant and one of her children answered the door. She slammed the door shut and called police.
Lafayette says the situation has taken a toll on both his finances and his family’s well-being.
"My mortgage is crazy. I can't go to the bank and tell the bank I can't pay the mortgage. This for three years? It's rough," he said.
As court dates approach, Lafayette hopes the evidence he has gathered will finally help him reclaim the apartment and live in peace.
