Small-property owners are suing New York, city and state, in federal court, aiming to get tens of thousands of their “zombie” apartments back on the market.

Knocking on random doors with a stack of rent money turns into a powerful test of skepticism, hope, and emotional overload.

Desirea Crystal Avery's wrist injuries from a fall at work hadn't fully healed when a car crash put her arm in a cast. With ...