Aom 1703 Lexington Avenue Llc v. Malik

In this action, plaintiffs, as tenants, claim that the defendant, as landlord, breached two written net lease agreements which they entered into on September 8, 2005 with respect to properties located at 215 East 118th Street and 1703 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. The leases give plaintiffs a right of first refusal and the option to purchase the properties three years after the leases are in effect. The complaint alleges that the plaintiffs took possession of the properties on October 1, 2005 and paid the first months rent, which the defendant accepted. According to the complaint, at a meeting between parties on or about October 4, 2005, the defendant repudiated the leases, rejecting plaintiffs right to purchase the two properties. The complaint alleges that the defendant thereafter evicted the plaintiffs from the two properties by, inter alia, forbidding them from entering the premises, changing the locks and directing the buildings tenants not to pay rent to the plaintiffs. The complaint also alleges that the defendant made various defamatory statements about the plaintiffs. The complaint asserts causes of action for breach of contract and for libel and slander. It seeks declaratory, injunctive and monetary relief.