In Matter of Barnhill v. New York City Hous. Auth. (280 A.D.2d 339 [1st Dept 2001]), the Appellate Division upheld NYCHA's denial on default of remaining family member status. Finding the applicant's failure to establish a reasonable excuse for the default and a meritorious defense, the Court emphasized that "the original tenant stymied the Housing Authority's efforts to verify the status of these squatters, resulting in the default challenged herein." (280 A.D.2d at 339.)