Douglas Elliman Issued Cease-and-Desist to Ryan Serhant
The real estate firm alleges that Serhant made misleading statements about his recruitment process.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Remote Work
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Douglas Elliman issued a cease-and-desist letter to Ryan Serhant in October 2026. The brokerage firm claims Serhant made inaccurate and misleading public statements regarding his recruitment by the company.
Why it matters
The legal action follows public comments made by Serhant about a meeting with a former brokerage executive. Douglas Elliman contends that these claims misrepresented their business relationship and recruitment efforts.
Howard Lorber served as Douglas Elliman chairman for over 20 years until his departure in 2024. Oren Alexander was also convicted on 10 counts of sex trafficking in 2026 following a five-week trial.
The players
Ryan Serhant
He is a prominent real estate broker and the founder of his own brokerage firm.
Douglas Elliman
This is a major real estate brokerage firm headquartered in New York City.
Howard Lorber
He is the former chairman of Douglas Elliman who held a stake in the Liggett Group.
Deva Roberts
She serves as the general counsel for Douglas Elliman.
Oren Alexander
He is a former real estate broker who was convicted on federal sex trafficking charges in 2026.
The details
General counsel Deva Roberts stated that Serhant initiated a meeting to present a business proposal but was never recruited by the firm. Serhant had previously alleged in a video and at a public event that a brokerage executive made money through cigarette sales targeting children.
Timeline
Howard Lorber led Douglas Elliman for over 20 years, ending in 2024.
Ryan Serhant spoke about the brokerage meeting in late September 2026.
Douglas Elliman issued the cease-and-desist letter in October 2026.
Market Landscape
This dispute highlights the increasingly contentious public nature of rivalries within the New York City real estate brokerage sector. The conflict reflects a wider trend where personal and historical professional grievances are now routinely litigated in the public eye.
The public dispute between major real estate figures may affect brand perception for clients shopping for luxury properties. Consumers should remain aware that these professional conflicts can influence the stability and reputation of firms they choose to represent them.
The takeaway
Professional disagreements in the real estate sector carry reputational risks that extend beyond simple contract disputes. Parties involved in high-stakes public commentary should be prepared for swift legal responses when their statements are perceived as inaccurate.
Further reading
Learn more about local industry trends in New York City Remote Work.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Real Deal New York.
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