I am in a rent stablized apartment in NYC. I lived here with my parents until they passed away. I've lived here without either parent (my dad moved) for over 15 years. Ever since my father's death, my landlord has tried to evict me. Usually he uses the "I didn't get the rent" game. Recently he's tried this again. He has the checks as I gave them to him personally. My new lease began on Jan 1, 2009. He sent me the renewal in Oct and I sent it back a couple of weeks later signed with the additional deposit. He has never once sent me a signed copy so not receiving one this time didn't raise any flags. He cashed the deposit increase money order. So I know he received it. He didn't receive December's rent and then did not come to get the check as he said he would. I did give it to his employee personally. I've sent January's rent return receipt requested to avoid this "non-receipt" issue. It's now the 18th and I have not received the receipt that he got it. I mailed it at the post office where his p.o. box is located so there's no possibility it was "lost in the mail". My thought is he won't sign for it and I will receive it returned to me. At this point, can he claim he didn't renew my lease and is refusing the rent for that reason?

Am I correct that he received one rent check in the new amount, based on the new lease?

If so, he has acknowledged the lease.

You need to get a receipt at the time you pay your rent. In the future hand deliver your payment to him or his employee at their office and get a receipt. At this point he is probably playing games with you about renewing the lease and wants to have a good excuse to evict you as he would like to raise the rent on the apt but can't do that until you move out. Rent controlled apts are great for the tenants but not for the landlords. I'd be looking for some kind of eviction paperwork to come your way soon. If that is the case get an attorney.

No, he accepted the rent for December which would be the end of the last lease. The new lease began on Jan. 1 and he has not accepted that payment so far this month. He did cash the money order I sent with the lease for the increased security deposit.

Try calling his office and ask them what's the story.

You have the receipt that you mailed him something. If he tries to evict you go to court and show them that you attempted to pay the rent.