Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to legal assistance in NYC Housing Court. Organizations like The Legal Aid Society and NYLAG serve all tenants regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
NYC Tenant Resources
NYC Tenant Resources: Free Legal Aid, Emergency Help & Hotlines
Free legal aid organizations, government agencies, emergency rent assistance, and tenant rights hotlines for New York City renters - all in one place.
Free Legal Help for Tenants
The Legal Aid Societylegalaidnyc.orgManhattan: 212-426-3000 / Brooklyn: 718-722-3100
Legal Services NYClegalservicesnyc.org917-661-4500
NY Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)nylag.org—
NYC Tenant HelplineCall 311 → "Tenant Helpline"Free tenant counseling
Met Council Housing Rights Hotlinemetcouncilonhousing.org212-979-0611
Emergency Help
NYC 311Dial 311 or nyc.gov/311Housing complaints, emergency repairs
HRA One Shot DealCall 311 - ask for HRAEmergency rent assistance to prevent eviction
National DV Hotline1-800-799-7233Safe housing resources for DV survivors
What to Do in a Housing Emergency
- Act immediately - do not ignore eviction papers or court notices
- Document all apartment conditions with photos and timestamps
- Keep copies of all communications with your landlord
- Call a legal aid hotline before your court date
- Appear in court - a default judgment results in immediate eviction
Government Agencies
NYC Housing Court311Addresses, hours & what to expect →
NYS DHCRdhcr.ny.gov718-739-6400 / 1-866-ASK-DHCR
NYC Rent Guidelines Boardrentguidelinesboard.nyc212-669-7480
Housing Court Answers718-557-1379 / 212-962-4795Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
FAQ
Tenant Resources - Frequently Asked Questions
Call 311 to file an HPD complaint. HPD will inspect and issue violations against your landlord. You can also raise the conditions as a defense in any eviction proceeding (warranty of habitability defense) or bring your own proceeding for repairs.
Visit the DHCR website at dhcr.ny.gov and search by address. You can also call 718-739-6400. Your lease should also state whether your unit is rent-stabilized.
Yes. NYC's HRA One Shot Deal program provides emergency rent assistance to eligible tenants facing eviction. Call 311 and ask for HRA, or visit a local HRA center. Eligibility and amounts vary - apply as early as possible.
The Legal Aid Society, Legal Services NYC, and NYLAG provide free legal representation to eligible low-income tenants. NYC also has a Right to Counsel law guaranteeing free legal representation in certain Housing Court proceedings - call 311 or visit housingcourtanswers.org to learn more.
Do not ignore it. Read it carefully to understand the reason and deadline. Contact a legal aid organization or attorney immediately. Appear in court on the date listed - if you default, the landlord will receive an automatic judgment against you.