Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. If you're worried about rent, a notice from your landlord, or finding a place you can afford, I'm really glad you're here. Housing worries can keep you up at night. Let's take them one at a time, together.
Here is the easy first step: dial 211, or 311 in New York City, and ask about rent help and eviction prevention near you. Then use this guide for tips for New York renters.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise money or a spot in any program.
- Rent help programs open and close, and many have waitlists. Apply early and keep copies.
- This guide is for every renter: families, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, young people, survivors, people with a record, and anyone else. If something is for one group, we say so.
Housing help usually comes in three flavors. Knowing which one you need makes every phone call faster.
- Help to stay where you are. Money for back rent, help talking with your landlord, and no cost legal help if you get court papers.
- Help to find a place. Rental vouchers, affordable housing lotteries, and housing search help.
- Help if you already lost your home. Emergency shelter and programs that move people from shelter into housing. Guide 2 covers shelter.
How to start, step by step
- Figure out your deadline. Look at any letter from your landlord or the court and write down every date.
- Call 211, or 311 in New York City, and say you are behind on rent or need a place.
- Apply for emergency help at your county Department of Social Services, or on ACCESS HRA in New York City.
- If you got court papers, call no cost legal help right away. Guide 13 has the numbers.
- Keep paying what you can, and get a receipt every time.
What to say when you call 211 or 311
"Hi. I live in [your county or neighborhood]. I'm behind on rent by [amount]."
"I got a [rent demand, court paper] dated [date]."
"I have [number] kids at home." Or: "I'm a senior." Or: "I have a disability."
"Can you connect me with rent help and no cost legal help?"
I'm behind on rent. What should I do?
First, please don't wait and don't hide from the mail. The earlier you act, the more choices you have.
Here is what New York offers.
- Emergency Assistance. Your county Department of Social Services can help in an emergency, like eviction papers or a utility shutoff. Tell them it's an emergency when you apply.
- In New York City, the One Shot Deal. HRA's Emergency Assistance, often called a One Shot Deal, is regularly used to pay back rent to prevent an eviction. HRA says you don't need an eviction notice or court order to apply. You may have to pay some or all of it back, but people who get SSI don't have to repay. Apply on ACCESS HRA under Cash Assistance, then choose One Shot Deal.
- In New York City, Homebase. Homebase offices help people at risk of losing their home. Call 311 and ask for Homebase.
- In New York City, rental assistance. HRA programs like CityFHEPS and FHEPS give monthly rent help to some families at risk of eviction or in shelter.
Sources (As of October 16, 2026): https://access.nyc.gov/programs/one-shot-deal/ and https://www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/email/FLY-1140-E-One-ShotDealFAQ_2024-01-3.pdf and https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/rental-assistance.page
Say you got a rent demand in the Bronx
Say a mom of three in the Bronx falls two months behind after her hours get cut, and she gets a written rent demand. A rent demand is not the same as an eviction.
She could apply for a One Shot Deal on ACCESS HRA that same day, call 311 to ask for Homebase, and keep copies of everything. If court papers come, she would call no cost legal help right away.
This is an example to show how it can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://ag.ny.gov/resources/individuals/tenants-homeowners/tenants
Get it in writing
Anytime you and your landlord agree on something, like a payment plan, ask for it in writing. Keep a copy. It protects you both.
What should I know as a renter in New York?
New York has protections for renters. The New York Attorney General explains them in plain words.
Here are some basics to ask about.
- Late fees. Questions about when rent counts as late, or about late fees? Check the official page below.
- Rent demands. If you get a written rent demand, write down the date and call legal aid.
- Court papers. If you get court papers, call legal aid right away and go to every court date.
- Lockouts. A landlord shouldn't lock you out or remove your things on their own. If it happens, call 911 and legal aid.
- Big changes. Got a notice that your lease won't be renewed or your rent is going up a lot? Call legal aid.
- Complaints. Think you were punished for complaining about conditions? Call legal aid. Questions about the details? Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://ag.ny.gov/resources/individuals/tenants-homeowners/tenants
How do security deposits work in New York?
Here's what to know.
- Ask how much the deposit is before you sign, and get a receipt.
- After you move out, your landlord should return your deposit, or give you an itemized list of any deductions with the rest.
- Questions about the details? Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
- Ask your landlord which bank holds your deposit.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://ag.ny.gov/resources/individuals/tenants-homeowners/tenants
Protect your deposit when you move out
How do I find a place I can afford?
Finding an affordable place in New York can take time, and that's not your fault. These tools help.
- Housing Choice Vouchers, often called Section 8, help pay rent with a private landlord. Local public housing agencies run them, and many lists open only now and then. Find yours at https://www.hud.gov/contactus/public-housing-contacts
- In New York City, affordable housing lotteries are listed on NYC Housing Connect at https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/
- No cost HUD approved housing counselors can help you make a plan and understand your options. Call 800.569.4287.
- Using a voucher or benefits to pay rent? Think a landlord or broker turned you away because of how you pay, like with CityFHEPS, Section 8 or Cash Assistance? You can report it. That's called source of income discrimination.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/rental-assistance.page
I already lost my home. How do I get back in?
Losing your home is hard, and it doesn't define you. Many families and individuals move from shelter back into their own place, and there are programs built for exactly that.
- In New York City, HRA rental assistance programs like CityFHEPS, FHEPS, HUD VASH for veterans, and Special One Time Assistance help people move from shelter into housing.
- Outside New York City, ask your county DSS and your local Continuum of Care about Coordinated Entry and Rapid Rehousing.
- Keep your documents together. Programs often ask for ID, income proof and your children's birth certificates.
Where you are today is not where you have to stay. One application, one call, one step at a time.
From the Bunklow team
What if I'm treated unfairly?
Everyone deserves a fair shot at a home. Think you were treated differently in housing?
You can report it.
- The New York State Division of Human Rights takes housing discrimination complaints. Visit https://dhr.ny.gov/ or call 888.392.3644.
- In New York City, the NYC Commission on Human Rights also takes complaints. Call 311.
- HUD takes fair housing complaints at 800.669.9777.
Keep a housing folder
Questions people ask a lot
Do I need an eviction notice to get a One Shot Deal in New York City?
No. HRA says if you're behind and can't pay the back rent yourself, you can apply now.
Can my landlord lock me out?
Call 911 and legal aid right away. Only a court process can lead to an eviction.
How big can my security deposit be?
Check the official Attorney General page at ag.ny.gov, and ask legal aid if you have questions.
When is rent late?
Check the official Attorney General page at ag.ny.gov. If you can't pay on time, dial 211 about rent help.
What if I have a disability?
You can ask your landlord for a reasonable accommodation.
I'm happy to help however I can
Housing stress is heavy, my friend. You're doing the right things by reading this. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Here are some places to start near you. If your county isn't listed, dial 211.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
What it offers Helps people with low incomes, older adults, Veterans and people with disabilities rent a home in the private market. The voucher pays part of the rent. You apply through your local Public Housing Agency, not through HUD. Waitlists are long, so HUD says you may need to apply to more than one. You don't have to live in an agency's area to apply.
How to reach Find your local housing agency (pick New York): https://www.hud.gov/contactus/public-housing-contacts. Keep the agency updated on your address, phone number and household size, or you could be dropped from the list.
Source https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans/housing-choice-vouchers-tenants
Last checked October 16, 2026
HUD PIH Customer Service Center
What it offers Answers questions about public housing and housing vouchers.
How to reach Call 800.955.2232.
Source https://www.hud.gov/contactus/public-housing-contacts
Last checked October 16, 2026
HUD approved housing counselors
What it offers A HUD approved housing counselor can give advice for your housing needs.
How to reach Search online: https://answers.hud.gov/housingcounseling/s/?language=en_US
Source https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans
Last checked October 16, 2026
Report housing discrimination (HUD)
What it offers Think you were treated differently when renting or buying a home? You can report it to HUD.
How to reach Call 800.669.9777.
Source https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
New York State
Here are some places to start.
Emergency Assistance from your county social services office
What it offers In New York, your local Department of Social Services (DSS) is the front door for emergency help. The state says Emergency Assistance can help with homelessness, little or no food, an eviction notice, no heat in cold weather, or a utility shutoff. You do not need to qualify for ongoing cash help to get emergency help. In an emergency, you can be interviewed and get a written decision the same day you apply.
How to reach Go to or call your county DSS as soon as you can. In New York City, that is HRA and DHS (see the New York City cards). Questions: OTDA Hotline, 800.342.3009.
Source https://otda.ny.gov/programs/temporary-assistance/
Last checked October 16, 2026
LawHelpNY (no cost legal information)
What it offers A nonprofit that helps New Yorkers with housing, family, debt, work and other legal problems. It has a directory of no cost legal services and an eviction help page. Live chat is open Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 9 pm Eastern.
How to reach Find no cost legal help: https://www.lawhelpny.org/find-legal-help. Eviction information: https://www.lawhelpny.org/issues/housing/eviction
Source https://www.lawhelpny.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
EvictionDefenderNY (outside New York City)
What it offers Nonprofit legal aid groups working together for renters in upstate New York and Long Island. Answer a few questions about your eviction case. If you qualify, they match you to a legal aid group near you, and that group contacts you for an appointment.
How to reach Apply online: https://www.lawhelpny.org/EvictionDefenderNY
Source https://www.lawhelpny.org/EvictionDefenderNY
Last checked October 16, 2026
Housing discrimination in New York
What it offers The NYS Division of Human Rights handles individual discrimination complaints. Don't wait to file.
How to reach NYS Division of Human Rights: 888.392.3644. TDD and TTY: 718.741.8300. Attorney General Civil Rights Bureau: 212.416.8250.
Source https://ag.ny.gov/civil-rights/fair-housing
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
New York City (all five boroughs)
Here are some places to start.
New York City: Right to Counsel
What it offers No cost legal representation and advice from nonprofit legal services groups for tenants facing eviction in Housing Court or NYCHA proceedings. Available in every ZIP code, regardless of immigration status.
How to reach Call 311 and ask for Right to Counsel.
Source https://www.nyc.gov/site/mayorspeu/resources/right-to-counsel.page
Last checked October 16, 2026
New York City: nonpayment cases
What it offers The New York State courts explain the steps in a nonpayment case, like the rent demand and filing an answer with the Clerk of the Court. If you don't answer, the landlord can ask for a default judgment. Check the deadlines on the court page.
How to reach Read the steps: https://nycourts.gov/courthelp/Homes/NYCnonpayment.shtml
Source https://nycourts.gov/courthelp/Homes/NYCnonpayment.shtml
Last checked October 16, 2026
New York City: One Shot Deal
What it offers Emergency help from HRA if you can't pay bills because of job loss, lower pay or another emergency. It can help with losing your housing, a utility shutoff and other emergencies. You may have to pay some or all of it back. HRA will tell you.
How to reach Apply online through ACCESS HRA, then do an interview. Or go to an HRA Benefits Access Center. HRA Infoline: 718.557.1399, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Source https://access.nyc.gov/programs/one-shot-deal
Last checked October 16, 2026
New York City: Homebase
What it offers Homebase offices help New Yorkers at risk of losing their housing: eviction prevention, benefits help, emergency rental help, job placement, and money counseling.
How to reach Find the Homebase office for your ZIP code on the city's Homebase page, then call ahead for an appointment. Or call 311.
Source https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/homebase.page
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Nassau County
Here are some places to start.
Nassau County: housing help
What it offers Nassau County DSS says if you are facing eviction, apply for Emergency Assistance at DSS as soon as you know about the problem. It also helps eligible people with emergency, temporary shelter.
How to reach 60 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11553. General information: 516.227.8519, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 3 pm. After hours: 516.573.8626.
Source https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/1921/Housing-Homeless-Prevention
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Suffolk County
Here are some places to start.
Suffolk County: housing help
What it offers Suffolk County Department of Social Services says to call Central Housing during business hours to talk about housing options. For urgent housing needs outside business hours, call DSS Emergency Services.
How to reach Business hours: Central Housing, 631.854.9547. After hours: DSS Emergency Services, 631.854.9100.
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Westchester County
Here are some places to start.
Westchester County: DSS offices
What it offers The county's general information line, and its four district offices. Offices are open Monday to Friday, except holidays.
How to reach General information and Homeless Services: 914.995.3333. Mount Vernon: 100 East First Street. Peekskill: 750 Washington Street. White Plains: 85 Court Street. Yonkers: 131 Warburton Avenue.
Source https://socialservices.westchestercountyny.gov/contact-us
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Erie County (Buffalo)
Here are some places to start.
Erie County: Emergency Services
What it offers Erie County Emergency Services takes emergency applications at the Erie County Work Center. After 5 pm, the county says to dial 211.
How to reach 158 Pearl Street, Rath Building, 1st floor, Buffalo. Emergency Services: 716.858.8000. After 5 pm: dial 211.
Source https://www3.erie.gov/temporaryassistance/emergency-services-contact
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Monroe County (Rochester)
Here are some places to start.
Monroe County: emergency housing
What it offers Monroe County's Housing Unit runs an after hours placement line for housing emergencies outside regular business hours. People placed after hours are screened by phone, then must come in the next business day for a full interview.
How to reach Daytime (Mon to Fri, 8 am to 3 pm): 585.753.6044. After hours, weekends and holidays: 585.442.1742. Daytime line and hours from the City of Rochester: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/homelessness-resources-rochester
Source https://www.monroecounty.gov/files/hs/2024%20Housing%20Unit%20Annual%20Report.pdf
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Onondaga County (Syracuse)
Here are some places to start.
Onondaga County: social services and shelters
What it offers Onondaga County Department of Social Services lists these shelters and numbers.
How to reach Temporary Assistance intake: 315.435.2825. Rescue Mission, single adults: 315.472.6251. Catholic Charities, single men: 315.530.1946. Salvation Army Emergency Family Shelter: 315.479.1332. Women's Shelter: 315.472.0947. Booth House, youth ages 13 to 17: 315.471.7628. Vera House, domestic violence and sexual assault: 315.425.0818. Or dial 211.
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Albany County
Here are some places to start.
Albany County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county's front door for Temporary Assistance, SNAP, HEAP, Medicaid and emergency help. The county lists emergencies like homelessness, lack of food, eviction papers, a utility shutoff and domestic violence. In person visits are required for homeless placements during business hours.
How to reach 162 Washington Avenue, Albany. Call 518.447.7300. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.albanycountyny.gov/departments/social-services
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
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If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 16, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
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