Where to File a Complaint Against Your Landlord in New York City

Living in New York City comes with its own set of challenges, but when your landlord crosses the line, it shouldn’t be one of them. Whether you’ve been threatened with eviction, denied essential repairs, or locked out of your own home, you have rights, and the law is on your side. The real question is: where do you turn when your landlord breaks the rules?

At Morgan & Morgan, we help NYC tenants take action against negligent, abusive, or law-breaking landlords. If your attempts to resolve the situation have been unsuccessful, filing a legal complaint may be the best way to protect yourself and send a message that your home is not a target for abuse.

When It's Time to Take Legal Action

In an ideal world, landlords would make repairs promptly, respect your privacy, and follow proper procedures when rent issues or lease changes arise. But that’s not always the reality. If your landlord has ignored repair requests, entered your home without permission, or attempted to remove you without going through the court system, you may be entitled to legal compensation.

Filing a case is often a last resort, but it can be a powerful one. Even initiating legal action can push an uncooperative landlord to settle, negotiate, or finally comply with the law. It also puts the power back in your hands when the balance of control feels completely one-sided.

What Landlords Are and Aren’t Allowed to Do

New York City has some of the most robust tenant protections in the country; however, landlords still frequently violate them. Here’s a snapshot of what your landlord is required to do:

• Maintain a safe, habitable, and pest-free unit.
• Provide consistent hot and cold water, heat, and functioning appliances.
• Comply with building codes and housing maintenance standards.
• Follow legal eviction procedures, which may include court intervention.
• Avoid harassment, threats, intimidation, or utility shutoffs.
• Return security deposits within 14 days of the move-out date.

And here’s what they can’t legally do:

• Change the locks or remove your belongings without a court order.
• Enter your apartment without giving proper notice (except in emergencies).
• Retaliate against you for filing a complaint or reporting code violations.
• Raise your rent outside the guidelines for rent-stabilized units.
• Discriminate against you based on race, gender, immigration status, or other protected characteristics.

If you’ve experienced any of these violations, it’s time to explore legal recourse.

Filing a Landlord Complaint in New York City

If informal efforts fail, you can begin by filing a formal complaint. The type of complaint and where you file, depends on your situation:

• For repairs, pests, heat, or water issues: File a complaint with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). You can call 311 or file online.
• For harassment or illegal eviction: Visit Housing Court in your borough to initiate a case or request an emergency hearing.
• For discrimination: File a complaint with the NYC Commission on Human Rights or the New York State Division of Human Rights.
• For rent overcharges or stabilization violations: Contact the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR).

Filing a complaint doesn’t require a lawyer, but having one on your side increases your chances of success, especially if your case escalates into a lawsuit.

Going to Housing Court: What You Should Know

New York City Housing Court handles disputes between tenants and landlords. This includes eviction proceedings, repair cases, and illegal lockouts. You can initiate what's called an HP Action, a court case that forces your landlord to fix hazardous conditions or perform maintenance. You can also sue for damages if you’ve suffered harm.

Be prepared to provide:

• Your lease agreement or proof of residency
• Photos, videos, or written records of the issue
• Notices or letters you've sent to your landlord
• Witness statements, if applicable

If your landlord has unlawfully changed your locks, Housing Court can issue an emergency order to get you back in, often the same day.

Building Your Case Against a Landlord

Strong cases start with strong documentation. To improve your chances of winning, keep a record of everything:

• Take photos of unsafe conditions, damage, or mold
• Keep copies of all written communication with your landlord
• Save utility bills if essential services are cut off
• Document any emotional distress, lost wages, or relocation expenses
• Note every instance of harassment, threats, or retaliation

If you suspect discrimination, keep a journal of incidents or remarks that might help prove bias or unfair treatment. And if you’re unsure what counts as evidence, an attorney can walk you through it.

Emotional Distress and Other Recoverable Damages

Legal compensation isn’t limited to physical repairs or reimbursements. Depending on your case, you may be entitled to:

• Medical expenses for conditions worsened by poor living conditions
• Lost wages if you had to take time off work or relocate
• Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma or anxiety
• Punitive damages in cases of intentional harm or illegal eviction
• Treble damages in the event of an unlawful lockout

Tenants often don’t realize how much they may be entitled to until they speak with an attorney who knows how to calculate the full impact of their losses.

Retaliation, Harassment, and Illegal Lockouts

When landlords feel threatened, especially by legal action, they sometimes lash out. New York law prohibits retaliation against tenants who file complaints, report violations, or organize with others to address these issues. That means your landlord cannot:

• Raise your rent suddenly without justification
• Refuse to renew your lease
• Threaten you or your family
• Shut off your utilities
• Enter your unit unannounced

If your landlord takes any of these steps, document everything and seek legal advice immediately. Illegal eviction isn’t just a civil issue; it’s a criminal offense in New York, and you may be entitled to immediate restoration of access and significant damages.

Suing for Landlord Negligence

Sometimes, simply filing a complaint or demanding repairs isn’t enough. If your landlord’s negligence caused serious harm, like illness from mold, injuries from broken stairs, or months of uninhabitable conditions, you may have grounds for a civil lawsuit.

Suing a landlord is a serious step, but it can lead to:

• Financial recovery for personal losses
• Accountability for landlords who repeatedly violate laws
• Court-ordered changes, such as required repairs or reinstated tenancy

Most importantly, it sends a message that tenants aren’t powerless. You are protected by law, and the right legal team can make that protection real.

File Your Case With Help From Morgan & Morgan

You don’t have to navigate Housing Court or landlord retaliation alone. At Morgan & Morgan, our attorneys have helped countless New Yorkers fight back against unsafe housing, illegal evictions, and negligent landlords. Whether you’re trying to get your heat turned back on, your home back after a lockout, or your life back after discrimination or abuse, we’re ready to help.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We don’t charge a penny unless we win. Your home is worth fighting for, and so are you.