Ahmet Nejat Ozsu, a 51-year-old tenant at the Eagle Court building in New York City’s Upper West Side, is refusing to vacate his rental despite the building’s sale to the Naftali Group for $70 million in June 2021. The new owners intend to tear down the building and construct a luxury tower with eleven units, each valued at around $40 million.

Ozsu, who has resided in the building for sixteen years, pays over $3,350 per month for his 700-square foot apartment, which includes a private deck. Despite owing approximately $13,000 in back rent, he has not kept up with payments.

Although the new landlords informed all tenants about the need to relocate, Ozsu is determined to stay and has demanded a $1 million payout to leave. His lawyer, Adam Leitman Bailey, claims Ozsu is standing up for New Yorkers who couldn’t afford high-priced lawyers and intends to stay as long as legally permitted.

In response, Naftali filed a lawsuit against Ozsu seeking $25 million in damages and offered him $30,000 to move out. The landlord has employed tactics to encourage Ozsu to leave, including unnecessary construction and the installation of loud fans outside his door.

Ozsu described the noise as resembling a jet, causing constant discomfort. The legal battle continues, highlighting the complexities that can arise when existing tenants resist eviction following a property sale.