You need to sit down with an attorney who can review your lease and who can advise you about your rights. It is unclear to me what your lease says about keeping pets, what it says about your renewal rights and if you are a rent stabilized tenant (who usually have renewal rights, subject to lease compliance). I suggest that you not focus on your neighbors' rights. Each situation can be different in terms of lease restrictions, how long the animals have been there, disability issues, etc. Even if your lease does not allow pets, if you are a rent stabilized tenant you still may be entitled to a renewal lease. New York City's and Westchester's pet laws provide for a waiver of no-pet lease clauses for the particular pets if the pets were kept openly for three months or more with the knowledge of the landlord or landlord's agent and the landlord did not commence a legal action to enforce the no-pet clause within this time period. If you are not a rent stabilized tenant but live in a multiple dwelling in NYC or Westchester, you still could have the protection of the law but you may not be guaranteed a renewal lease. If you live outside of NYC or Westchester, other issues may be raised, including disability. As you can see, there are many issues that need to be addressed before determining your rights. Again, it is important for you to make an appointment with a landlord/tenant attorney who can review your lease and explain your rights and options to you. Finally, since your landlord is allegedly on your side, I would think he would be in a good position to grant you permission.