iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If you are a New York City tenant with a rent dispute, call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline. You can also call Housing Court Answers at 718-557-1379 or 212-962-4795. If you have an eviction case, keep your Housing Court index number and papers nearby. The right route depends on whether a court case is pending, what kind of help you need, and whether you qualify for free representation.
Start by identifying the urgency and type of problem
If you have a court date, warrant, lockout, or other deadline, contact a legal-services provider promptly and do not skip the court appearance. New York City’s Office of Civil Justice says Right-to-Counsel providers connect with tenants at their first Housing Court conference; an eligible tenant can ask for an attorney at that appearance. Confirm the date and current courthouse procedures with the court.
A nonpayment case is a landlord’s court case to collect rent. A holdover case seeks eviction for a reason other than unpaid rent. These labels may appear on your papers and help intake staff direct you. For lease questions, serious repair problems, harassment, or a lockout, call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline even if no eviction case is pending. NYC HRA also identifies restoration or enforcement motions, warrants, lockouts without a court order, NYCHA termination matters, and serious unrepaired conditions as issues to raise.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteNYC311 states: “The only legal way a landlord or building owner may evict a tenant who refuses to move voluntarily is through an eviction proceeding in Housing Court.” If you are locked out or threatened with an immediate eviction, explain that clearly when you call; do not assume a landlord can remove you without a court process.
#1 Best Overall
Ask about free representation through Right to Counsel
New York City’s Universal Access to Legal Services program, commonly called Right to Counsel, provides some tenants with a free lawyer from start to finish in a covered New York City Housing Court case. It is not automatic for every tenant or every disagreement: eligibility depends on household size, income, and case type, and an intake provider determines what service is available. The city says the service is available in every ZIP code and regardless of immigration status for covered eviction proceedings. NYC HRA’s tenant legal-services page explains the program and contact options.
The New York State Unified Court System page checked in 2026 lists these household income thresholds for Universal Access. Because thresholds may change, confirm the current figures with the court or intake provider.
| Household size | Published income threshold |
|---|---|
| 1 | $29,160 |
| 2 | $39,440 |
| 3 | $49,720 |
| 4 | $60,000 |
| More than 8 | Add $10,280 for each additional household member above 8 |
The court lists nonpayment and holdover cases, as well as specified NYCHA termination cases, among the covered case types. Read the New York Courts Universal Access information for the current eligibility details and how to reach providers.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Ways to reach an intake provider
- Call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline.
- Call Housing Court Answers at 718-557-1379 or 212-962-4795. The court and city list weekday hours of 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; confirm current hours before calling.
- Email the Office of Civil Justice with your name, telephone number, and Housing Court case index number if you have an eviction case.
- Contact a nonprofit legal-services provider, or ask a Clerk or Court Attorney at Housing Court about a free lawyer.
If you have an eviction case, have the index number ready. You can find it on your court papers.
Use a Court Help Center for free procedural information
NYC Civil and Housing Court Help Centers offer free walk-in help to people without attorneys. Staff and volunteer attorneys can explain forms and court procedure, review court papers, and point you to do-it-yourself programs or other resources. They do not represent you, and court staff cannot give legal advice or take the place of your lawyer.
No appointment is needed, but you may have to wait. Bring court papers, notices, signed agreements, and court orders. The court’s NYC Civil Court Services page also describes volunteer lawyer consultations and the City Bar Justice Center Legal Hotline for low-income callers, including people with housing-law questions. Check current hours and availability before visiting or calling.
Rank #4
- Height: 13.75in / 35cm, Depth: 2in / 5cm, Width: 10.25in / 26cm
- By Reuel Golden
- Hardcover
- 560 pages
- Imprint: Taschen
Choose a route that fits the case
| Your situation | Where to start | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Eviction case or urgent court issue | 311 Tenant Helpline, Housing Court Answers, or a nonprofit tenant legal-services provider | Intake can assess whether you qualify for Right-to-Counsel assistance; have your case index number ready. |
| Question about a lease, repairs, harassment, or a lockout without a pending eviction case | 311 Tenant Helpline or a nonprofit tenant legal-services provider | Ask for help specific to the housing problem; eligibility for full court representation is not automatic. |
| You need help understanding forms or court procedure | Housing or Civil Court Help Center | Free procedural information and resource referrals, not representation. |
| You can pay for a private lawyer | NYC Bar Legal Referral Service | A referral to a screened lawyer; verify the consultation fee and ongoing rates before retaining counsel. |
The NYC Tenant Bill of Rights is a useful orientation to topics including housing quality, leases and security deposits, eviction and illegal lockouts, harassment, and tenant organizing. It is not a substitute for legal advice or representation. See the NYC Tenant Bill of Rights.
If you want to hire a lawyer
The New York City Bar Legal Referral Service can refer callers to screened lawyers in the metropolitan area, including landlord-tenant attorneys. The New York Courts page lists a $35 fee for the first half-hour consultation; NYC311 says the initial consultation may be $35 or free depending on the case type. Later fees are set by the lawyer, and any ongoing legal work is charged at the lawyer’s regular rate. Confirm the applicable consultation fee and ask about rates before retaining counsel.
See the New York Courts legal assistance page or NYC311’s Housing Court information for referral details.
Prepare before you call or visit
Gather the information that helps an intake worker or court resource understand the issue. Keep original documents and provide copies when appropriate.
- Your Housing Court index number, if a case is pending.
- Court papers, notices, warrants, orders, and any signed stipulation or agreement.
- Your lease or other written agreements.
- Rent records and communications with the landlord.
- Your name and a telephone number where a provider can reach you.
For a visit, check the relevant borough court’s current information first. The correct court location, hours, and available services can vary.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
