Father Passed Away — Executor & Poa Of Rent-stabilized Apartment, Tenants Owe $7k, Management Refusing To Recognize My Authority Nyc

My father recently passed away. He lived in a rent-stabilized apartment that he was subleasing to three tenants. Before he died, he granted me Power of Attorney and I have been officially appointed as the executor of his estate.

Since his passing, these tenants have stopped paying rent and now owe over $7,000. I’ve been trying to work with the property management company to address this issue, but I ran into a huge roadblock.

The management is refusing to recognize my authority over the apartment and the financial affairs of my father because they want the apartment back for themselves. They claim that my Power of Attorney and executor status only apply if my father had assets outside of the apartment, they say I have no control.

I’ve consulted with lawyers and done my own research, and everything points to the fact that my POA and executor role definitely cover managing the apartment and financial matters related to it, regardless of the asset value.

It’s frustrating and stressful dealing with this because the tenants continue to owe rent, and the management won’t cooperate with me even though I’m legally authorized to act.

Has anyone faced something similar? What are my rights as POA and executor in this context? How can I make the management company acknowledge my authority so I can take necessary action?

Thanks in advance for any advice or experiences you can share.

Also I don't have succession rights because I never lived there with him however I did take care of him while he was sick in the apartment for a few months

Location: NYC