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Eviction Battle: Tenant Claims Rights After Roommate's Death

3/7/2026

31 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Melvin DeJesus, 66, faces eviction from a rent-controlled West Village apartment where he has lived for nearly two decades.
He claims succession rights after the death of longtime roommate John Grafenecker, citing a 30-year relationship.
Grafenecker's family says they were merely roommates.
The landlord's $5.5 million lawsuit against DeJesus could lead to his ban from the building regardless of the eviction outcome.

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Story summary

Melvin DeJesus, 66, faces eviction from a rent-controlled West Village apartment where he has lived for nearly two decades.
He claims succession rights after the death of longtime roommate John Grafenecker, citing a 30-year relationship.
Grafenecker's family says they were merely roommates.
The landlord's $5.5 million lawsuit against DeJesus could lead to his ban from the building regardless of the eviction outcome.