For information on your rights:

For information on allowable rents for rent regulated apartments, explanations of rent control and rent stabilization, and filing a grievance for rent that you believe is too high, contact the NYS Department of Housing and Community Rebuilding (DHCR).
Visit DHCR's Web site

The New York City Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) also may have useful and helpful information.
Visit RGB's Web site

For legal help:

Legal help for low-income New Yorkers

Housing discrimination issues

Citywide Task Force on Housing Court

Housing Court

Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants also have responsibilities to their building owners and their apartments. They may not damage the building, intentionally or through neglect. Tenants are also responsible for the actions of their guests. Finally, tenants must obey the terms of their lease, pay rent on time and honor the rights of other tenants.

Owner Entry

In New York City, owners may enter a tenant's apartment for three general reasons: emergency repairs, non-emergency repairs or improvements, and apartment inspections. Emergency repair requires no advance notice to the tenant. However, access for non-emergency repairs and improvements requires a minimum of one week's advance written notice, and access for inspection requires a minimum of 24 hours advance written notice.