Nyc Landlord Said They May Need To Move Into Our Apartment And Kick Us Out. Is This Legal?

I am a rent-stabilized tenant who has lived in my apartment for 3.5 years. For the last 2.5, I have been living here without a lease. This is mostly because our landlord isn't very organized, mostly due to their age and disposition. (check my post history for the backstory. We've had difficulties with this landlord before)

We had finally been contacted by them at the beginning of this year about starting a new lease.

Today, I was contacted by a member of their family (via phone) who said that due to LL failing health, they may need to move into our apartment to be close to family. They said they were open to us signing a new lease, but with the caveat that at some point we may need to vacate for the landlord to move in.

I was very confused by call and asked if the request could be made via email. They sent the following:

Thank you for taking the time to speak to me a few minutes ago. Pursuant to your request and as discussed Landlord is open to a renewal of your lease ( one or two years ) it does not matter.

However, for various health reasons that I discussed with you Landlord is not healthy and unfortunately may need to be close to their family to help them with their treatments and therapy. This means the family as well as Landlord may decide to ask for the apartment back. We will know shortly as I have another conversation with the family. Should we need the apt back will this be an opposing issue for you? And will you cooperate with the family as they deal with this personal and corporate matter with the landlord.

Thank you again for your time and understanding to this very serious matter.

I don't want to leave this apartment. I'm sympathetic to the landlord's situation but finding a new place that is as affordable as this one would be next to impossible, especially on short notice.

I have a few questions:

• In NYC, does the landlord have the right to live in our rent stabilized unit and kick us out?
• Is there specific procedure/documentation needed to take back an apartment from a tenant?
• Are we vulnerable due to us not currently being under a lease?
• If we do sign a new lease, should we insist on any provisions be included given this situation?
• How do I respond without sounded like an unsympathetic asshole?