Advice for newbie. Evicting Sec8 tenant

[Agatha Simmons]

I’ve camped out on this forum and on Reddit and realize how many newbie mistakes I’ve made but hear me out.

I inherited a S8 tenant with my new 2-family home in NYC. I live on the main unit. It started with heat complaints. I addressed them each time, but the unit was never warm enough for them. It was also difficult to assess the heating situation after repairs since tenant refused to provide key to access unit for repairs and/emergencies, citing “privacy and safety” concerns. I decided not to fight the situation. Months later, Tenant then accuses me of “threatening” her because of the keys situation.

Next up, tenant complains of mold and faulty cabinets. I go in the unit, no signs of mold and sturdy cabinets. 

  Next up roaches. Tenant initially says it’s a new roach problem that “started when I bought the house”. I provided gel bait, then exterminator. Tenant is now saying that she’s in a hotel because the issue is getting worse and that the apt has had roaches for “years”. 

There are couple more but that will take too long to detail. 

The final straw was just last week when tenant randomly attacked my competency in my professional career. The lease ends in December and I will not renew. I hope tenant willingly leaves because NYCHA actually notified months ago that she was approved for another voucher. So I know she is looking but she told me she was not moving yet because it takes a long time to find another unit.

I’ve seen discouraging accounts about evicting S8 tenants and want to see if anyone has had success and how to go about it if she refuses to leave. Does she have any legit habitability claims to sue for, especially since she claims to stay in hotel now? I have made reasonable efforts on all complaints - but I guess you can never make some people happy. I’ll obviously contact a local attorney but any advice or suggestions would be helpful.