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. Getting a notice on your door or a letter from court can make your stomach drop. Take a deep breath. There are steps you can take, and there is no cost legal help in New York for people who qualify.
Here is the easy first step: read the paper carefully, write down every date on it, and call your local legal aid office today. Their numbers are in the county list later in this guide.
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 legal help, money or a result in any case.
- This guide is for every renter and family: parents, older adults, people with disabilities, immigrants, survivors and people with vouchers. If something is for one group, we say so.
- This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change. For advice about your situation, talk with a lawyer or legal aid.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
Legal aid offices give no cost civil legal help to people with low incomes, on things like evictions, benefits, family law and consumer problems. Each office decides who it can serve and which counties it covers, so call and ask.
- LawHelpNY has no cost legal information and a directory of no cost legal services for every county in New York. Use it at lawhelpny.org.
- In New York City, tenants facing eviction in Housing Court can get a no cost lawyer under the Right to Counsel law, in every ZIP code and regardless of immigration status. Call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline.
- Outside New York City, you can apply for eviction legal help through EvictionDefenderNY on LawHelpNY.
- The New York Attorney General's Residential Tenant's Rights Guide explains things in plain words.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.lawhelpny.org/ and https://www.nyc.gov/site/mayorspeu/resources/right-to-counsel.page
What to do when you get a notice, step by step
- Read the whole paper. Write down the date you got it and every deadline on it.
- Call your local legal aid office right away. Say you got a notice and give the dates.
- Dial 211 and ask about emergency rent help, if the notice is about rent.
- Keep paying what you can, and get a receipt every time.
- Save every letter, text, lease and receipt in one folder.
- If you get court papers, act fast. Don't wait for a court date to show up.
What to say when you call legal aid
"Hi. I got a [rent demand, notice that my lease won't be renewed, court papers] on [date]."
"I live in [your county]. Can you help me, or tell me who can?"
"I rent from a [landlord or company], and my lease [is or isn't] in writing."
"What should I do before my deadline?"
Count the days on a calendar
Mark the date you got the paper, then count each deadline on a calendar. Ask legal aid to double check your dates with you.
What if I get a notice from my landlord?
Here are the kinds of notices renters often get.
- Rent demand. A written demand for unpaid rent. Write down the date you got it and call legal aid.
- Late rent and late fees. Questions about late fees? Questions about the details? Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
- Not renewing your lease, or a big rent increase. Read the notice carefully and call legal aid.
- Receipts. Ask for a written receipt every time you pay.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/tenants_rights.pdf
Say you got a rent demand on a Friday
Say your rent was late and you got a written rent demand on a Friday. You could write down the date, call legal aid or 311 in New York City on Monday morning, and dial 211 to ask about emergency rent help. In New York City, you can also ask HRA about a One Shot Deal.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. It is not legal advice. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/tenants_rights.pdf
What if I get eviction papers from court?
Act right away, and call legal aid.
- Only a court can order an eviction. Go to every court date.
- In New York City, ask the clerk or court attorney about a no cost lawyer if you don't have one.
- Behind on rent? Ask legal aid whether paying what you owe can end the case.
- Ask legal aid about extra fees your landlord adds.
- If the judge orders you out, ask legal aid about asking for more time to move. Questions about the details? Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
This is general information, not legal advice. See the county list for legal aid near you.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/tenants_rights.pdf
Keep these in one folder
Paperwork can feel scary, but you are not alone in this. One call to legal aid can change everything, friend.
From the Bunklow team
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off my heat or water?
No. A landlord shouldn't take things into their own hands.
- Threats, removing your things, a lockout, or shutting off water or heat to force you out aren't OK. Questions about the details? Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
- Locked out right now? Call 911 or your local police, and call legal aid. In New York City, you can also call 311.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/tenants_rights.pdf
How do I get my security deposit back?
Here's what to know, for apartments that aren't rent stabilized or rent controlled:
- After you move out, your landlord should return your deposit, or give you an itemized receipt for anything kept.
- Questions about the details? Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
- Ask your landlord to inspect the apartment before you move out, and be there, so you can fix problems first.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://ag.ny.gov/resources/individuals/tenants-homeowners/tenants
Take move out photos
When you move out, take photos and a short video of every room, with the date. It's one of the best ways to protect your deposit. You've got this!
What if I'm treated unfairly because of who I am?
Think you were treated differently because of your race, creed, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, familial status, source of income like a Section 8 voucher, or something else? You can report it.
- You can file a complaint with HUD. In New York City, you can also file with the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Don't wait. Legal aid can help too.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/tenants_rights.pdf and https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing/fileacomplaint
Can my landlord evict me without going to court?
Only a court can order an eviction. Call legal aid right away.
What should I do with a rent demand?
Write down the date, call legal aid, and dial 211 about rent help.
Can I get a no cost lawyer for eviction?
In New York City, the Right to Counsel law gives tenants facing eviction in Housing Court no cost legal help. Call 311. Outside the city, apply through EvictionDefenderNY or call legal aid.
When should I get my security deposit back?
Check the official Attorney General page at ag.ny.gov, and call legal aid if it doesn't come back.
Can a landlord refuse my Section 8 voucher?
Think you were turned away because of your voucher? You can report it. Call legal aid or 311 in New York City.
Is legal aid really at no cost?
Legal aid offices give no cost civil legal help to people who qualify. Call your local office to ask.
What is Good Cause Eviction, and does it cover me?
Good Cause Eviction is a New York program that covers all of New York City. Other cities, towns and villages can choose to opt in, so ask your local government if it covers you.
If your home is covered, your landlord needs a good reason to evict you or to refuse to renew your lease. Questions about the details? Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Got a big rent increase? Ask whether your home is covered, and call legal aid.
Not every home is covered, so check the official page below.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/good-cause-eviction.page and https://hcr.ny.gov/good-cause-eviction
Questions to ask if you get a nonrenewal or a big rent increase
"Is my apartment covered by Good Cause Eviction?"
"What is the good cause reason you are using?"
"Can you put that reason in writing for me?"
"This raise is above the local rent standard. Can you explain why?"
Get help before you move out
In NYC, call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline, or call Housing Court Answers at 212.962.4795. If you are being locked out right now, call 911.
What if my home needs repairs or isn't safe?
Your home should be safe and fit to live in. If it isn't, here's what to do.
- Tell your landlord in writing. Keep a copy, and take dated photos.
- In NYC, call 311 to report no heat, no hot water, leaks, mold or pests. HPD can inspect.
- Don't stop paying rent on your own. Talk to a legal aid office first, because the rules on withholding rent are tricky.
This is general information, not legal advice. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/index.page
How to ask for a repair the safe way
- Take clear photos or a video of the problem, with the date.
- Write a short, polite letter or text that says what is wrong and when it started.
- Keep a copy, and write down when you sent it.
- If nothing happens, follow up in writing after a few days.
- If it's still not fixed, call 311 in NYC or your local code office, and call a legal aid office.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
HUD: Report housing discrimination
What it offers If you believe you were treated unfairly when renting or buying a home, HUD takes reports. HUD's page is the place to start a report.
How to reach hud.gov/fairhousing/fileacomplaint
Source https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing/fileacomplaint
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
New York State
Here are some places to start.
LawHelpNY
What it offers No cost legal information and a statewide directory of no cost legal services by county, written for regular people. Topics include eviction, repairs, benefits, family and more.
How to reach lawhelpny.org. LiveHelp chat Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 9 pm ET.
Source https://www.lawhelpny.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
EvictionDefenderNY (outside NYC)
What it offers Apply for eviction legal help if you live outside New York City.
How to reach lawhelpny.org/EvictionDefenderNY
Source https://www.lawhelpny.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
LawHelpNY legal directory
What it offers Set your county to see no cost legal offices near you, from Long Island and Westchester to Buffalo and Rochester.
How to reach https://lawhelpny.org/find-legal-help
Source https://www.lawhelpny.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
NY Attorney General: Residential Tenant's Guide
What it offers A no cost plain language guide for tenants in New York, covering leases, rent, security deposits, repairs, evictions and discrimination.
How to reach https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/tenants_rights.pdf
Source https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/tenants_rights.pdf
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
New York City (all five boroughs)
Here are some places to start.
NYC Right to Counsel and the Tenant Helpline
What it offers Under the city's Right to Counsel law, tenants facing eviction in Housing Court or NYCHA proceedings can get no cost legal help from nonprofit legal groups. It's at no cost, in every ZIP code, and regardless of immigration status.
How to reach Call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline or Right to Counsel.
Source https://www.nyc.gov/site/mayorspeu/resources/right-to-counsel.page
Last checked October 16, 2026
NYC Office of Civil Justice: No cost lawyers for tenants
What it offers A lawyer may be able to represent you in court, try to stop an eviction, push for repairs, check if your rent is too high, and talk with your landlord.
How to reach Call Housing Court Answers at 718.557.1379 or 212.962.4795, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Or email civiljustice@hra.nyc.gov. Or call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline.
Source https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/legal-services-for-tenants.page
Last checked October 18, 2026
NYC Homelessness Prevention and Homebase
What it offers The city's Homelessness Prevention Administration includes the Office of Civil Justice, rental help programs and Homebase prevention services.
How to reach Call the DSS OneNumber 718.557.1399.
Source https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/homelessness-prevention.page
Last checked October 16, 2026
The Legal Aid Society
What it offers No cost legal help for New Yorkers who can't afford a lawyer, including help with housing and eviction cases.
How to reach 212.577.3300. https://legalaidnyc.org/get-help/
Source https://legalaidnyc.org/get-help/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Westchester County
Here are some places to start.
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in Westchester and other Hudson Valley counties, including housing cases.
How to reach 877.574.8529. https://lshv.org/
Source https://lshv.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Erie County (Buffalo)
Here are some places to start.
Neighborhood Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people in need in Erie County and nearby counties. Apply by phone or online.
How to reach Erie County: 716.847.0650. https://www.nls.org/
Source https://www.nls.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Monroe County (Rochester)
Here are some places to start.
Legal Aid Society of Rochester
What it offers No cost legal help for people in the Rochester area.
How to reach 1 West Main Street, Suite 800, Rochester. 585.232.4090. https://www.lasroc.org/
Source https://www.lasroc.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Onondaga County (Syracuse)
Here are some places to start.
Legal Services of Central New York
What it offers No cost civil legal help across Central New York. Apply online, call, come to a clinic or visit an office. Help in many languages at 877.777.6152.
How to reach Main office: 315.703.6500. https://www.lscny.org/
Source https://www.lscny.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Albany County
Here are some places to start.
Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, Albany Office
What it offers No cost civil legal help, including housing, for people who qualify in Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer and Schenectady Counties.
How to reach 95 Central Avenue, Albany. Call the Legal Line at 833.628.0087. Relay 711.
Source https://www.lasnny.org/location/albany-office/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My legal plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My dates
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. You're doing the right thing by getting informed. 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. Sources were first checked on October 16, 2026. New sources were added, and every link was checked again on October 18, 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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