Tenant Rights Resources

If you're facing an illegal rent increase, need legal help, or want to learn more about your rights as an NYC tenant, these organizations can help.

Free & Low-Cost Legal Help

Legal Aid Society

NYC's largest provider of free legal services. Handles housing court cases, eviction defense, and overcharge complaints.

(212) 577-3300

Met Council on Housing

Tenant rights hotline, workshops, and organizing support. They run a free tenants' rights hotline.

(212) 979-0611

Housing Court Answers

Free information and help navigating NYC Housing Court. Staffed by trained volunteers.

(212) 962-4795

NYC Bar Legal Referral Service

Get matched with an attorney who specializes in landlord-tenant law. Initial consultations available.

(212) 626-7373

Legal Services NYC

Free legal services for low-income New Yorkers, including housing, immigration, and benefits cases.

917-661-4500

NYC HPD (311)

Report housing code violations, ask about apartment regulation status, or file complaints about your landlord.

Call 311

Government Resources

NYS Division of Housing & Community Renewal (DHCR)

The state agency that oversees rent regulation. File overcharge complaints, check your apartment's status, and request rent histories.

Visit DHCR Portal →

NYC Rent Guidelines Board (RGB)

Sets annual rent increases for stabilized apartments. Meeting schedule, current rates, and research reports.

Visit RGB Website →

NYC Housing Preservation & Development (HPD)

Handles housing code enforcement, building violations, and tenant complaint resolution.

Visit HPD Website →

Negotiation Tips for Market-Rate Tenants

1. Research comparable rents. Check StreetEasy, Apartments.com, and Zillow for similar apartments in your area. If your proposed rent is above market, you have strong negotiating power.
2. Highlight your track record. If you've been a reliable, long-term tenant who pays on time, remind your landlord. Turnover costs landlords thousands in vacancy loss and renovation.
3. Negotiate in writing. Email or written letters create a paper trail. Be professional, factual, and specific about what you're asking for.
4. Offer a longer lease. Landlords value stability. Offering to sign a 2-year lease in exchange for a smaller increase can be appealing.
5. Know your timeline. Start negotiating well before your lease expires. Last-minute negotiations put you at a disadvantage.

Stay informed about your rights

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