In New York City, real estate deals move quickly, and the stakes are high, especially within the complex field of Landlord-Tenant law. Real estate is not for the faint of heart. A single misstep could lead to thousands or millions of dollars in losses. Whether you are a commercial landlord, buyer, seller, investor, or part of a condo board, it takes more than a sharp business sense to ensure success. You need legal counsel who understands not only the law but the market.
At Smyth Levenson LLP, we do not provide one-size-fits-all advice. We tailor strategies that match your goals, the deal at hand, and the unpredictable terrain of New York real estate. We are dealmakers when you need to close, advisors when the path ahead is unclear, and litigators when disputes arise.
New York’s skyline was built by people willing to take calculated risks, guided by clear insight and supported by strong counsel. We devote our practice entirely to clients with skin in the game. Our firm represents the following:
New York City landlord-tenant law is complex, highly regulated, and often adversarial to landlords and developers. We focus on clients with ownership interests or business objectives tied to property to eliminate potential conflicts. If you own, manage, invest in, or lease property in NYC, we bring a sharp, experienced, and unconflicted perspective to your side of the table.
Our real estate legal practice spans the lifecycle of property ownership, from acquisition and financing to, leasing, operation, and eventual sale. We provide strategic legal guidance in the following areas:
In New York City, deals are almost never “standard.” We identify, isolate, and resolve problems before they lead to costs for you. Whether you are acquiring a flagship retail property or offloading a surplus asset, the transaction must close cleanly and confidently. We provide thorough legal oversight from start to finish in the following areas:
Commercial leases are as varied as the properties they govern. Each lease represents a long-term agreement between parties whose interests are rarely aligned. Our NYC real estate attorneys help clients avoid hidden pitfalls, clarify ambiguous language, and negotiate provisions that protect our clients' interests now and for years into the future. We represent both landlords and commercial tenants in the negotiation, drafting, and enforcement of leases for the following:
Commercial leases are as varied as the properties they govern. Each lease represents a long-term agreement between parties whose interests are rarely aligned. Our NYC real estate attorneys help clients avoid hidden pitfalls, clarify ambiguous language, and negotiate provisions that protect our clients' interests now and for years into the future. We represent both landlords and commercial tenants in the negotiation, drafting, and enforcement of leases for the following:
When things go wrong, we are more than paper pushers. We litigate real estate disputes with the same rigor we bring to dealmaking. Our lawyers approach litigation with a dual mindset: How do we resolve this efficiently, and how do we win if resolution fails? Our litigation practice includes the following:






Not all real estate challenges relate to government approvals. Many clients come to us with highly sensitive or complex disputes that turn on property rights, ownership structures, or competing development interests. In a dense and highly leveraged market, property conflicts often arise from ambiguous easements, inconsistent surveys, quiet title issues, and disagreements among partners. Our litigation team brings calm, experienced focus to these high-stakes scenarios, whether the issue is a breach of contract, a failed joint venture, or interference with development rights.
We know winning in real estate litigation does not always mean going to trial. Much of our best work happens behind the scenes, positioning your side through clear-headed negotiation, strategic leverage, and a thorough understanding of what the courts are likely to do.
When trial is necessary, we are ready. Our courtroom approach is meticulous, strategic, and aligned with your business priorities.
There is no shortage of law firms in New York City that handle real estate. What sets us apart is not only what we do but how we do it.
Our attorneys know not only the law but how it plays out in the unique pressure cooker of New York City real estate. We understand the difference between how a clause reads on paper and how it performs when tested in court or renegotiated mid-deal.
Some real estate attorneys just react to problems as they arise. We prefer to see around corners. Whether it involves negotiating a lease, structuring a deal, or assessing litigation risk, we ask the questions others may overlook and give you a roadmap—not a list of issues.
Unlike some lawyers, we do not hedge every answer with a dozen caveats. We give you our opinion, backed by law, experience, and real-world outcomes. When you need risk analysis, we provide clarity, not vagueness.
When you work with our firm, you will not wait days for a response or receive cookie-cutter advice that does not fit your situation. We pride ourselves on client service. That includes timely communication, clear explanations, and advice you can act on.
Real estate does not wait, but that does not mean you should enter a deal without knowing before you go. If you are contemplating a deal, facing a dispute, or simply want a second opinion before you proceed, contact Smyth Levenson LLP at 917-540-2729. We will give you honest, actionable insight tailored to your circumstances. Our lawyers bring a depth of experience, clarity of vision, and commitment to results that match the pace and pressure of New York City real estate.