AG James stopped a landlord who primarily rents units to University at Albany students from unlawfully taking advantage of tenants with illegal fees and misleading leases. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Asaf Elkayam and his company Jerusalem Management, LLC (Jerusalem Management), violated state laws and tenants’ rights by overcharging tenants on application fees, charging unreasonable cleaning fees and unlawful late fees, and allowing workers to enter apartments without prior notice to tenants. As part of a settlement with OAG, Elkayam must pay $8,000 in penalties, remove all deceptive or misleading provisions from future leases, provide notice to tenants before entering their apartments, provide predetermined fees for damages or legal costs, and take other actions to protect tenants’ rights.

“Asaf Elkayam took advantage of his tenants, many of whom were college students and first-time renters. No New Yorkers should have to fear that their landlord may enter their home unannounced, or worry about paying outrageous fees just to rent an apartment. My office will always take action to protect New York tenants from unfair housing practices and hold all those who violate the law accountable.”- AG James