Tenant Rules to Remember
by: Goddard-Riverside Community Center - West Side SRO Law Project
Tenant Rules to Remember
You don't have to move just because the landlord says so. As long as you have been in your room for more than thirty days (even if you owe rent), your landlord has to take you to court and prove that you should be evicted.
Your landlord may tell you to move because you owe rent, or because he or she needs your room for a family member, or plans to sell the building. Don't move until a judge says you have to; stand firm, and seek legal advice.
It's against the law for your landlord to lock you out!
If your landlord changes your lock or otherwise keeps you from entering your room, call 911, even if you owe rent. Show the police officer rent receipts or other evidence you've lived in the building 30 days or more. The police must make the landlord allow you back into your room, or arrest the landlord. Always get receipts for your rent! Always keep receipts or other evidence with you so that you can prove you are a tenant in your building.
Your landlord cannot kick you out even if you owe rent.
Even if you owe rent, the landlord must take you to court and let a judge decide how much you really owe. If you don’t pay after a judge tells you to, the landlord still has to get an order from the judge before he or she can force you to move. And only a Marshall with a court order can actually move your belongings.
Harassment by landlords is illegal.
Harassment is any behavior by the landlord which disturbs your peace and quiet or your ability to enjoy your home in comfort, especially if it is intended to force you to move out. This may include physical violence, threats of eviction, turning off your heat and hot water, damaging your room or your personal property, or making sexual remarks and gestures. If your landlord physically, verbally, or sexually harasses you, report it! Get legal help, or file a formal complaint with the New York Division of Housing and Community Renewal, (212) 480-6732.
Your landlord must have a work permit from the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) in order to make alterations in your room or your building.
If you see construction going on in your building and there is no work permit posted, report it immediately to the Buildings Department at 60 Hudson Street, 5th floor; telephone 312-8530.
Westside SRO Law Project
647 Columbus Ave.
(Between 91st and 92nd St.)
212-799-9638
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