Bottom line: If you are a low-income NYC tenant facing eviction in Housing Court, you likely have the right to a free attorney under NYC’s Right to Counsel law. Call the Tenant Helpline by dialing 311 and asking for it, or contact the Legal Aid Society directly. Do not go to Housing Court without finding out if you qualify first.
NYC Tenants Have the Right to Free Legal Help — Most Don’t Know It
New York City has one of the strongest tenant legal assistance programs in the country. If you’re low-income and facing an eviction case in Housing Court, you have a legal right to a free attorney. The program — called Right to Counsel — has been expanding across the city since 2017 and now covers all five boroughs.
Beyond Right to Counsel, there are multiple organizations offering free legal advice, free representation, and free tenant hotlines. The system is fragmented and hard to navigate — this article maps it for you.
Right to Counsel: Free Attorney in Housing Court
Under NYC’s Right to Counsel law, low-income tenants facing eviction in Housing Court have the right to free legal representation. The program is administered through the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA).
How to access it: Call 311 and ask for the “Tenant Helpline.” They will connect you with the appropriate legal services organization for your borough and situation. You can also call HRA’s Office of Civil Justice directly.
Right to Counsel covers tenants facing eviction regardless of immigration status.
Legal Aid Society — Free Representation by Borough
The Legal Aid Society provides free legal services to low-income New Yorkers in housing matters including eviction defense, lease disputes, landlord harassment, and disrepair complaints.
- Manhattan: 212-426-3000
- Brooklyn: 718-722-3100
- Bronx: 718-991-4600
- Queens: 718-286-2450
- Staten Island: 347-422-5333
Other Free Legal Resources
- Legal Services NYC — legalservicesnyc.org — free civil legal services for low-income New Yorkers citywide, including housing
- Mobilization for Justice — anti-eviction programs for low-income tenants, seniors, and SRO residents
- Met Council on Housing — 212-979-0611 — tenant rights information and rent stabilization expertise
- JustFix.nyc — free online tool for understanding your rights, requesting rent history, and filing HPD complaints
- NYC Bar Legal Referral Service — 212-626-7373 — if you don’t qualify for free services but need a referral to an affordable attorney. Free legal advice one evening a week on landlord-tenant matters.
If Your Landlord Is Harassing You
Tenant harassment — including illegal lockouts, removal of services, threats, or refusing to make repairs to force you out — is illegal in NYC. You can report harassment to the NYC Tenant Harassment Assistance page at nyc.gov, or call 311. HRA’s Office of Civil Justice provides free legal assistance specifically for tenants facing harassment.
If you are illegally locked out of your apartment, call 911 immediately — unlawful lockout is a crime in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have the right to a free lawyer in NYC Housing Court?
If you are low-income and facing an eviction case, likely yes. NYC’s Right to Counsel law provides free legal representation to eligible tenants. Call 311, ask for the Tenant Helpline, or contact the Legal Aid Society for your borough.
How do I get free legal help as a NYC tenant?
Call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline. You can also contact the Legal Aid Society by borough, Legal Services NYC at legalservicesnyc.org, or visit JustFix.nyc for online self-help tools.
Does immigration status affect my right to free legal help?
No. NYC’s Right to Counsel and most tenant legal assistance programs are available regardless of immigration status.
What if my landlord is harassing me or threatening to lock me out?
Illegal lockout: call 911 immediately. For harassment, call 311 and ask about tenant harassment resources, or visit the NYC Tenant Protection Cabinet at nyc.gov.
I don’t qualify for free services. How do I find an affordable tenant attorney?
Contact the NYC Bar Legal Referral Service at 212-626-7373. They offer a free advice hotline for low-income residents and can connect you with appropriate legal help.
