Essential Legal Knowledge for New York Landlords: Police Officer and Attorney Explain Residential & Commercial Real Estate Law

On Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., the New York Firearms Association (NYFA), in partnership with the Sino American Commerce Association and Apex Legal PC, jointly hosted a free public seminar on “Residential & Commercial Real Estate Law Practice.” The seminar focused on common legal risks and practical solutions involving residential leasing and commercial real estate, attracting community residents, landlords, and business owners.

The seminar was moderated by Shannon Lee, Secretary of the New York Firearms Association and Vice President of the Sino American Commerce Association. Kent Zhou, President of the Sino American Commerce Association, delivered opening remarks highlighting the close connection between the Chamber’s member businesses and real estate operations. He emphasized that effective real estate risk management is an important foundation for the stable and sustainable development of a business.

（Sino American Commerce Association President Kent Zhou emphasizes the importance of this seminar to the audience）

The first session was presented by Jeffery Liu, an active law enforcement officer and Senior Advisor to the New York Firearms Association. His presentation focused on key issues including tenant screening and lawful eviction procedures. Drawing on his frontline law enforcement experience, Liu reminded landlords that tenant screening should be conducted in compliance with applicable laws, including the lawful review of background, income, credit, and rental history, while avoiding discriminatory questions or practices.

（Sergeant Liu explains in detail what landlords can and cannot legally do）

When dealing with unpaid rent or tenant disputes, landlords should not take matters into their own hands by changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing a tenant’s belongings, or using threats or force to remove a tenant. Instead, landlords should maintain complete records of leases, payment receipts, communications, and other relevant documents, and follow the appropriate legal procedures.

The second session was presented by Runyu Hu, an attorney with Apex Legal PC, who provided an in-depth analysis of legal and risk management issues involved in commercial real estate operations. Her presentation covered a wide range of topics, including property ownership structures, commercial leases, tenant screening, insurance coverage, breach of contract issues, and litigation.

（Attorney Hu provides an in-depth analysis of the legal responsibilities and considerations for commercial landlords）

Attorney Hu summarized four major risks commonly encountered in commercial real estate: choosing the wrong tenant, unclear contractual terms, improper procedures, and insufficient protection. She also emphasized the importance of clearly separating personal assets and bank accounts from those of an LLC, conducting financial, business, and compliance due diligence on commercial tenants, and using comprehensive lease provisions and proper recordkeeping to better protect property owners’ interests.

（Attorney Hu shares four key perspectives for commercial landlords）

The seminar featured an active question and answer session, with attendees raising practical questions concerning long term unpaid rent, tenant violations, commercial leases, property renovations, and litigation procedures. The two speakers addressed the questions in detail and used real world examples to provide practical guidance.

The organizers would like to extend special thanks to Kenvic Training, US United Consulting, and Tactical Security & Defense Training Center (TSD) for their generous support of this public seminar.

The full seminar video is now available on the New York Firearms Association YouTube channel. We welcome everyone to watch the full presentation and learn more about residential and commercial real estate law and practical risk management.

Watch the full seminar:

New York Firearms Association YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@NewYorkFirearmsAssociation/featured