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Tenant Support Unit Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Scroll through the Frequently Asked Questions below to learn more about Tenant Support Unit and tenant rights in NYC.
Click a topic, or press the enter key on a topic, to reveal its answer.
Do I need to have lawful immigration status to be eligible to receive rental assistance?
Most rental assistance programs are not available to undocumented immigrants. If you have questions about your tenant rights or any rental assistance that might be available to you as an immigrant, call 311. Ask for the "Tenant Helpline" for free one-on-one support.
Can my landlord evict me because of my immigration status?
No. You cannot be evicted based on your immigration status. If you have questions about your tenant rights or rental assistance that might be available to you as an immigrant, call 311. Ask for the "Tenant Helpline" for free one-on-one support.
What rent freeze programs are available for rent stabilized tenants?
SCRIE and DRIE are two programs that help NYC seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities freeze their rent. If you think you may qualify, call our Rent Freeze Hotline at 929-252-7242. Learn more about Rent Freeze programs here.
How do I know if my apartment is rent stabilized or rent controlled?
Learn more about rent stabilization here. To find out if your apartment is rent-regulated you can look at your lease or request your rent history. For help requesting your rent history, contact the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR) Office of Rent Administration at: 718-739-6400 or rentinfo@nyshcr.org. Or visit the Rent Connect website.
What programs that PEU works with are available for property owners?
There are a number of Tax Exemption programs for homeowners, including: SCHE (for NYC seniors), DHE (for New Yorkers with disabilities), STAR/E-STAR, VHE (for Veterans), and CHE (for Clergy). If you think you may qualify, or are unsure whether you qualify, call our Rent Freeze Hotline at 929-252-7242. Learn more about homeowner tax exemptions here.
Does TSU help seniors with liens on their home?
We do not directly service liens but we can help seniors connect to tax exemption programs.
Learn more about liens.
To qualify for the Disabled Homeowners Exemption (DHE), what kind of disability proof do I need?
Proof of disability could include a disability award letter from the Social Security Administration, an award letter from the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board or U.S. Postal Service, a certificate from the New York State Commission for the Blind, or a Veterans Administration letter. Learn more about DHE here.
Can my landlord change the locks without my permission?
No. You are protected against a lockout if you have lived in the same place for at least 30 days, even if you did not sign a lease. Call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline to speak with a Specialist and learn more about your rights as a tenant.
Learn more about lockouts.
I reached the Tenant Helpline's voicemail box, will someone call me back?
When calling the Tenant Helpline, please leave a clear voicemail message with your name and phone number and we will return your call as soon as possible. Keep in mind that a Specialist will call you back from a number that you don't recognize. You are also encouraged to call us during our live call operating hours for a higher chance of speaking directly to a Specialist. Learn more about our Tenant Helpline hours of operation here.