Anti-Eviction Legal Services for tenants in New York City
The New York City sponsored Anti-Eviction Legal Services is available for tenants that have a total household income of between 130% to 200% of the federal government poverty levels and that are threatened with an eviction. The city, partnering with pro-bono lawyers and legal aid services, will provide free housing court representation, advice and support. Find details on legal services in NYC to help stop an eviction.
The goal is to reduce the amount of homelessness in the city. Many low income tenants that are struggling need some form of guidance if/when they fall behind on their rent and their landlord sends them an eviction notice. A household living close to (or in) poverty may be living on a minimum wage job or benefits, such as SSI disability or a pension. Or they may be single moms or fleeing domestic violence. A number of others are immigrants or maybe do not speak English as their primary language.
So the assistance given to them from the free Anti-Eviction Legal Services can make a major difference in their lives. Support is offered in all languages, including Spanish, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, and many others.
How the Anti-Eviction Legal Services works in New York City
As soon as the tenant is given a pay or quit / eviction notice from their landlord, they need to reach out to the Human Resources Administration in their area The tenant will be assigned a lawyer to work with them throughout the process. All of this is provided to them at no cost.
When applying for legal help to stop an eviction, be prepared. Bring a copy of a lease as well as proof of income from all sources (a job, public aid, SSI, pensions, disability, section 8, etc.). The applicant also needs proof of residency in one of the New York City boroughs. So bring identification, including, but not limited too green papers, a driver's license, or green card. Note illegal immigrants can get referrals to either a New York City rent assistance program or some other housing program as part of the Anti-Eviction Legal Services.
The vast majority of low to moderate income tenants do not have an attorney to represent them in court. On the other hand, about 90% of landlords have legal representation. The New York City Anti-Eviction Legal Services can bring representation to all those renters who can’t afford an lawyer. It will also save the resident potentially thousands of dollars, as that is the current rate to hire a housing court attorney.
Lawyers will partner with the tenant up through, including the court hearing in Housing Court. Most of the evictions can be resolved before it even gets to the court process. As it is likely that the attorney from the city is able to mediate a solution between the landlord as well as the tenant. But if a solution can not be arrived at then the Anti-Eviction program will include the court process as well.
Free eviction legal prevention for tenants
When a landlord issues an eviction notice (which may be posted on the tenant's door, delivered in person, and/or in the mail) the renter does have time to respond. The New York City Anti-Eviction Legal Services has a few possible incomes. Some of the assistance given to the low income family may be as follows. They also can direct tenants to other federal funded free legal aid services.
- If the renter will never be able to afford the apartment (even at a lower rate), then the attorney may be able to negotiate more time for the tenant to be rehoused.
- If the tenant will be able to afford the home (but maybe not at the current or higher rate), then mediation may allow a more reasonable rate.
- Any back fees that are due (either for rent or a utility bill) will be discussed, and a payment plan may be negotiated.
- Anti-Eviction Legal Services also addresses any non-monetary issues, such as noise disturbances, the tenant not maintaining the home, renter not adhering to the lease terms, and more.
- When an an eviction is caused by development of the property, then the lawyer will ensure the family is able to be rehoused into a new, affordable apartment.
- There are other steps to take when an eviction may be imminent. Whether repairs, noise disturbance or something else. Find what to do when facing eviction.
A the end of the process, there may be a new lease agreement arrived at. The terms and conditions will be reviewed by the lawyer that is assigned to the client as part of the Anti-Eviction Legal Services. This will help ensure that the contract is fair for both the tenant as well as the property owner. The lease will cover all concepts, ranging from early termination to maintenance responsibilities, monthly rent, and other legal obligations.
Contact information
Thousands of low-income tenants may be eligible for Anti-Eviction Legal Services in New York City. Dial 718-557-1399 for more information.
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