Tenant Rights in NYC: Speak With a New York City Rental Lawyer Today

In a city where space is limited and housing battles are fierce, New York renters need more than just a lease; they need protection. When landlords cross the line, when repairs are ignored, when intimidation replaces professionalism, tenants deserve more than frustration. They deserve justice.

At Morgan & Morgan, our rental lawyers represent tenants across New York City who’ve been taken advantage of, locked out, harassed, or forced to live in unsafe conditions. From wrongful evictions to security deposit disputes, we help renters stand up to landlords and management companies that believe no one will hold them accountable. We’re here to prove them wrong.

How New York Law Protects Renters

Tenants in New York City benefit from some of the strongest housing laws in the country. In 2019, sweeping reforms reshaped the rental landscape, giving renters new rights and protections. However, even with these changes, enforcement isn’t automatic, and landlords often rely on renters being unaware of the law.

Landlords are legally required to:

• Provide proper notice before rent increases (30, 60, or 90 days, depending on how long you’ve lived in the unit)
• Go through the court system for any eviction; self-help lockouts are illegal
• Maintain a habitable apartment that is clean, safe, and in good repair
• Avoid intimidation tactics like shutting off utilities or threatening retaliation
• Follow anti-discrimination laws at the federal, state, and city levels
• Return security deposits within 14 days after you move out

Violating any of these obligations isn’t just unfair; it’s unlawful. If your landlord has ignored your rights or used fear as a tool, you may be entitled to legal recourse.

Common Disputes Between NYC Tenants and Landlords

Not every landlord-tenant dispute rises to the level of a lawsuit, but far too many renters are left living in unacceptable conditions or paying for things they shouldn’t. Some of the most frequent legal issues we see include:

• Withheld security deposits, even when apartments are returned in good condition
• Refusal to make repairs, including plumbing, heating, or electrical issues
• Unsafe living conditions, such as mold, pest infestations, or a lack of hot water
• Harassment or intimidation, like repeated threats, unauthorized entries, or verbal abuse
• Unlawful rent increases in rent-stabilized apartments
• Discrimination, including denial of housing based on race, sexual orientation, family status, or citizenship
• Illegal evictions, including lockouts or removals without court approval
• Failure to follow notice requirements, especially for long-term tenants

In many cases, tenants don’t realize just how many rights they have or how much power they hold when backed by an experienced attorney.

What to Do If Your Landlord Violates Your Rights

If your landlord is ignoring repairs, threatening eviction, or otherwise violating the terms of your lease, documentation is crucial. Start by keeping records of everything: photos of damage, copies of letters, texts, emails, and a log of interactions. Then, consider your legal options.

In New York City, you can file a formal complaint with:

• The Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) for repair and habitability issues
• The New York State Division of Human Rights for discrimination claims
• The NYC Commission on Human Rights for city-level civil rights violations

However, when complaints go unanswered or when the violation has caused significant harm, a civil lawsuit may be the next step. That’s where Morgan & Morgan can help.

How a Rental Lawyer Can Help You

Going up against your landlord alone can feel overwhelming, especially if they have legal counsel or a property management team on their side. Our attorneys can take the pressure off by:

• Reviewing your lease and all applicable documents
• Explaining your rights clearly and honestly
• Sending demand letters or filing formal complaints
• Negotiating rent reductions, repairs, or relocation
• Filing lawsuits for damages, including emotional distress or financial loss
• Helping you fight back against eviction, harassment, or discrimination

You don’t have to tolerate dangerous conditions or abusive tactics just to keep a roof over your head. Our rental lawyers will fight to help you reclaim your rights and your peace of mind.

Choosing the Right Attorney for Your Rental Dispute

Not all lawyers are equipped to handle tenant-landlord disputes in New York City. You need someone who knows not only housing law but the practical realities of dealing with aggressive landlords and complex cases. When choosing an attorney, look for:

• Proven experience in rent-stabilized and unregulated housing disputes
• Deep familiarity with the 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act
• Negotiation skills that can help avoid a trial without compromising your rights
• Strong communication, with updates when you need them, not after the fact
• Courtroom readiness, in case litigation becomes necessary

Your Rights During Renovations, Repairs, and Retaliation

Tenants often face retaliation for speaking up. Whether you’ve complained about mold, asked for repairs, or reported harassment, landlords may try to punish you with rent hikes, legal threats, or even eviction attempts.

Retaliation is illegal under New York law. If you’re being punished for asserting your rights, you may be entitled to:

• Injunctions stopping the retaliation immediately
• Compensation for emotional distress or financial harm
• Restoration of housing benefits, tenancy, or lease terms

You’re also protected during building renovations or construction. Your landlord cannot evict you or make your unit unlivable solely to create a vacancy. If they do, legal action may be necessary.

When Landlords Try to Raise the Rent Illegally

One of the most common violations in New York City involves rent increases that exceed legal limits, particularly in rent-stabilized apartments. If your rent suddenly spikes or if you’re being pressured to leave so a new tenant can pay more, it’s worth having your lease reviewed.

Illegal rent hikes can be challenged, and you may be entitled to receive back rent or damages.

Taking Legal Action Against Discrimination

Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you or treat you differently based on race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, immigration status, or other protected categories. Housing discrimination lawsuits are serious, and they require detailed evidence, including:

• Emails or messages referencing your background or identity
• Witness testimony
• Apartment availability records
• Patterns of discrimination against similar tenants

Morgan & Morgan’s civil rights and housing attorneys collaborate to combat discrimination wherever it occurs, including in the private realm of NYC real estate.

Talk to a New York City Rental Lawyer Today

When your home becomes a battleground, you don’t need more stress, you need someone who knows the law and knows how to fight. Whether you’re facing eviction, living in unsafe conditions, or dealing with a landlord who refuses to play fair, you have rights. We’re here to protect them.

Schedule your free case evaluation with Morgan & Morgan today. There’s no cost unless we win, and we’re not afraid to take on even the toughest landlords in New York City.