Counsel Hamilton further argues that service of the Petitions is not sufficient, and his main contention is that Petitioners did not serve process on the Secretary of State but rather served process on Mayfair's direct address, located in Texas, in addition to Nob Hill Apartment Group, LLC's direct office located on the premises, and Destra Multifamily LLC's address in California. Destra Multifamily, LLC is the current property manager as of the hearing date. Counsel Hamilton was repeatedly advised during court appearances that the Court directed the Petitioners to serve Respondents through certified and first-class mail, see RPAPL § 797-e (4) [*3]and CPLR § 311-a (b).
This Court undoubtedly has jurisdiction over Mayfair. Service was complete as directed by the Court and not defective as Counsel asserts. Mayfair is a company who was doing business in Syracuse as the property management company for Nob Hill Apartment Group, LLC, pursuant to RPAPL § 797-e, and was served by certified and regular mail at the address listed for the company, which is the address of the CEO of Mayfair Management Group, Carlos Cepeda. Having the Secretary of State as an agent for service does not affect the right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. This management company cannot attempt to avoid service by pointing solely to the Secretary of State as an agent for service. Tenants testified that they were notified that rent was to be paid to Mayfair Management at Mayfair's office located on the Nob Hill premises. Multiple tenants testified to their dealings with Ryan, an employee of Mayfair, who collected their rent and to whom they reported habitability issues. Leases were signed with Mayfair, and correspondence was between tenants and employees of Mayfair, and Counsel has