> Theft of property is criminal. This isn't theft it's misappropriation. Subtle distinction, but basically: theft covers illegal takings, misappropriation cove

> Theft of property is criminal. This isn't theft it's misappropriation. Subtle distinction, but basically: theft covers illegal takings, misappropriation covers illegal "keepings." Sadly New York doesn't have the misappropriation framework other states have. NY has something called "false promise" larceny, which is similar, but it requires showing intent to defraud even before the rental agreement. The mere keeping of rented property isn't sufficient to prove intent, explicitly in the statute. Worked for a prosecutor in another city. Withheld rental cars were incredibly annoying, even without the weird NY penal code. Naturally this is not legal advice and don't steal or misappropriate stuff it's dumb and cruel and probably illegal for you for some reason I'm not realizing.