In a recent case that highlights ongoing challenges with New York City’s eviction process, Tasheem Jenkins was removed from Apartment D at 367 Wadsworth Avenue on October 9 after living there for two years without paying rent.
Jenkins managed to delay his eviction for an extended period, representing himself in court and seeking assistance from city agencies. The apartment, located in Washington Heights, was originally leased by fashion model Aubrey Hill. Jenkins and Hill had a sublet arrangement unknown to the landlord. In New York City, removing occupants who do not have a lease or pay rent can be a lengthy legal ordeal.
Over the past three months, the case saw repeated postponements. In July, Justice Adam Meyers ruled that Jenkins had run out of legal options. The judge stated, “was awarded judgment of possession against Jenkins almost a year ago, and its ability to realize this relief cannot be delayed indefinitely.” Despite this, Meyers gave Jenkins until August 29 to leave, saying the extension was “to vacate the premises with dignity.”
Jenkins did not leave by that date and filed another motion just before his scheduled departure. The court delayed the eviction again to October 7. On October 6, Jenkins filed another request for more time, saying he was arranging movers and had “an update from HRA/APS.” He explained he was seeking help from the Human Resources Administration’s Adult Protective Services (APS), which assists adults who are physically or mentally impaired.
However, Meyers had already determined that Jenkins was not impaired, citing his effective self-representation in court since fall 2023. APS reached a similar conclusion earlier in February. The judge denied Jenkins’ final request for more time, writing that he “has been afforded ample time to complete his move.”
Jenkins again turned to APS for help delaying the eviction. APS reportedly convinced the Department of Investigation (DOI), which supervises city marshals responsible for carrying out evictions, to halt the process temporarily. This intervention is not unique; earlier this year DOI stopped an eviction against Emma Oliver after she failed to pay maintenance fees for six years.
Despite these efforts, Jenkins’ third appeal to APS resulted in only a brief two-day postponement before DOI allowed the marshal to proceed with the eviction.
Jenkins is unlikely to owe any rent payments because he never held a lease for the $1,675-a-month apartment. The responsibility for more than $60,000 in unpaid rent falls on Aubrey Hill, who left for Europe after agreeing but failing to pay back rent as part of a late 2023 settlement. It remains unclear whether the landlord will pursue further action against Hill or if any judgment could be collected.
