NY State — NY Real Property Actions & Proceedings Law

§ 651 — SECTION 651 Expiration of plaintiff's title before trial

Brooklyn since 2014All five boroughsSame-day response during business hours

Statute text reproduced from nysenate.gov. Not attorney-reviewed for your situation — for reference only.

What is NY RPAPL § 651?

Quick Answer

This section addresses the situation where a plaintiff's title or right expires after the initiation of a legal action but prior to trial. It allows for a verdict or decision based on the facts of the case, entitling the plaintiff to judgment for damages incurred due to the withholding of property until the title expired. Applies to parties involved in property litigation.

General informational summary. Not legal advice for your situation. Consult an attorney before acting on any specific matter.

Michael Nacmias - Founding PartnerMichael Sargo - Partner
From the team atNacmias Law Firm, PLLCBrooklyn-based attorneys representingproperty owners across all five boroughsMeet the team →

§ 651 SECTION 651 Expiration of plaintiff's title before trial

RPAPL § 651

If the right or title of the plaintiff expires after the commencement of the action but before the trial, and he would have been entitled to recover but for the expiration, the verdict, report or decision shall be rendered according to the fact; and the plaintiff is entitled nevertheless to judgment for his damages for the withholding of the property to the time when his right or title so expired.

Common Questions

Our team

Meet the people you will work with

Free case review

Talk to an attorney before you act on NYC code.

Free 15-minute case review with the attorney handling your matter. Same-day response during business hours across all five boroughs — OATH hearings, Housing Court, and real estate closings.

Or email us

[email protected]

An attorney reads every message.

  • Same-day response

    During business hours

  • Direct attorney access

    Same lawyer from intake to close

  • Flat-fee pricing

    On most OATH and closing matters