‘RHONYC’ Star Erin Lichy Sued for $43,950 in Unpaid Rent, She Claims the Apartment Was RAT Infested!

‘RHONYC’ Star Erin Lichy Sued for $43,950 in Unpaid Rent, She Claims the Apartment Was RAT Infested!

Erin Lichy and husband, Abraham Lichy, have been hit with a lawsuit over unpaid rent on their former New York City apartment. The Real Housewives of New York City star and the lawyer have denied their former landlord’s claims.   

The legal complaint stated that the couple owes $43,950 after neglecting to pay a $13,500 monthly rent along with late fees, from October 1, 2021 to July 31, 2023. Court documents stated that the duo rented the fifth and sixth floors of the ritzy Tribeca building. They’re accused of making late payments, dodging late fees, bouncing checks or missing payments entirely. The plaintiff is also asking for $12,600 for attorney fees, which is included in the requested judgment sum.    

Erin, 36, and Abraham, 40, have denied that they owe their landlord any cash, claiming that an abatement tied to the property’s condition included a joint decision to withhold two months rent.  

The couple’s rep told released a statement: 

“In October of 2021, after the Lichys’ spent tens of thousands on renovations out of pocket, which was agreed to be factored into the rental price, they were notified of elevator repairs that were expected to take a few weeks and took months during the dead of winter, forcing the Lichys’ small children to navigate and live amongst dangerous conditions including rodents.”

Page Six published photos that appeared to show the seemingly subpar living conditions, which included rat droppings, chewed up food and gnawed cabinetry. 

The rep added — “This resulted in a request for reasonable abatement due to all of the hazardous conditions that the landlord initially refused until the Lichys engaged a landlord/tenant attorney to which the landlord then agreed to an abatement.”

The couple reportedly gave notice after deciding to move out of the unit. The landlord allegedly “refused to honor their abatement post-move out” in a letter sent in August 2023, “adding on additional rent and fees.”

The rep continued — “The Lichys and counsel reached out several times to resolve issues and make payment of the correct balance to the landlord but failed to get any response to discuss.”

“Given the dispute on the total amount owed, including the lack of agreed-upon abatement, the Lichys’ counsel advised to withhold the remaining balance owed, which is the tenants’ right.”

The rep concluded — “The Lichys know their rights and are not going to be taken advantage of.”

The Bravo couple also provided a copy of a recommendation letter written by a property manager at a past apartment, who vouched for the pair as tenants. The letter stated that Erin and Abraham kept their former home in “immaculate shape” and that there were “no complaints from their neighbors throughout their time living at the property.” The letter also stated that the couple gave “proper notice” when they decided to move out. 

The landlord’s attorney, Mark Altschul, told the outlet that the letter was insignificant because it didn’t confirm that the Lichys “were fully paid.” The lawyer also implied that the letter was written to nudge the couple out of the building quickly. 

“It is not unusual for a landlord to be glad to have a tenant leave, and a letter such as the one the Lichys got is consistent with that procedure,” Altschul said.

“It does say that the premises was left in good condition and they did not make a nuisance of themselves in the building; those points are not at issue in the litigation — merely the nonpayment of rent.”

As to the couple’s claim that they tackled maintenance problems, the attorney said — “This is typical of nonpaying tenants, claiming unsuitable conditions as a defense. There was no violations issued by the City of New York against the premises to substantiate any claim of unsuitable conditions by the Lichys.”

He addressed the abatement agreement, adding — “[It] was conditioned by the Lichys on a two-year extension of the lease — which if the premises was so unsuitable, why did the Lichys insist on an additional two years to stay? Clearly, inconsistent positions by the Lichys.”

Erin Lichy rose to reality TV fame after landing a full time role on the revamped version of RHONY, which premiered last summer. 

 

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