Legal Services for Tenants

Legal Services for Tenants Facing Eviction – NYC's Right-to-Counsel Law

Are you facing an eviction in court? New York City has your back.

Right-to-Counsel (or Universal Access) legal services are free and available in every ZIP code, regardless of immigration status. Tenants facing eviction in Housing Court or NYCHA administrative proceedings have access to free legal representation or advice provided by legal services organizations from across the five boroughs.

Right-to-Counsel (or Universal Access) legal service providers are connecting with tenants at their first Housing Court conferences. Go to your initial court appearance and say "I would like an attorney" when you appear in court. You can also stop anyone wearing the button below for help:

 

 

• Do you have a pending eviction case in Housing Court?
• Have you received a Motion to Restore/Enforce an Eviction?
• Have you received a Warrant of Eviction?
• Have you been locked out of your apartment by your landlord without a court order or warrant?
• Do you have a termination of tenancy case brought by the New York City Housing Authority?
• Does your apartment need serious repairs but your landlord won't make them?

If yes to any of the above, contact the tenant resources below:

• Call Housing Court Answers at 718-557-1379 or 212-962-4795 from Monday - Friday, between 9am and 5pm.
• Call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline.
• Email OCJ at civiljustice@hra.nyc.gov. Please provide a name, telephone number, and a Housing Court case index number for your eviction case (if you have one) in your email.
• Contact a nonprofit law office near you. Download a list of OCJ's nonprofit law office partners that provide free legal help for tenants.

Do you have other questions about your housing situation and rights as a tenant, such as your lease or being behind on rent?

• Call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline
• Visit the City's online Tenant Resource Portal
• Visit the Tenant Protection Cabinet website