Housing
Article 78 Proceedings – How to Appeal an Agency Decision
What is an Article 78 Proceeding?
An Article 78 proceeding is used to appeal the decision of a New York State or local agency to the New York courts.
What can I do if I get a decision...
Beware of Paying Your Rent With Money Orders
How you pay your rent can be very important. While money orders seem convenient, they may cause you a lot of problems and, in some cases, could lead to your eviction.
A money order may not be...
Beware of Rent-to-Own Agreements
What is a Rent-to- Own Agreement?
Many people who sign rent-to-own agreements or land contracts end up evicted, not homeowners. Rent to own agreements and land contract are promises to...
Beware of Working for your Landlord Instead of Paying Rent
In our experience at LawNY®, tenants will sometimes call us because they are being evicted for nonpayment of rent, even though they worked for their landlord. Sometimes, the work involves...
Communicating with your Landlord
Problems with communicating with your landlord in-person or by text message
If you discuss important issues about your tenancy, it is important to keep records of your conversations. Important...
Demand for Past Due Rent in Mobile Home Parks
What is the legal definition of a mobile home park?
A property is considered to be a mobile home park if:
There are at least 3 mobile homes on the property
The mobile homes are lived in...
Fair Housing Disability Issues
“Steps are what we have. We can’t accommodate a walker.”
“My insurance won’t cover a ramp if you get hurt.”
How do I know if I’ve been discriminated against?
Often, when...
General Eviction Information for New York
What is an eviction?
An eviction is a court process a landlord can use to evict a tenant from a rented apartment, house, or mobile home.
An eviction case, which lawyers call a Summary...
Illegal Evictions
What do I need to know about illegal evictions?
It is illegal for your landlord to evict you by changing the locks or turning off your utilities. Your landlord also cannot stop you from getting...
Landlord Won't Make Repairs
Tenants often have problems trying to get their landlords to make repairs. This article provides general information about how you can try to get the repairs done. It also shows how you can...
Security Deposits
Security Deposits
What is a security deposit?
A security deposit is money that you pay to your landlord when you move in. Your landlord holds this money until you move out. If you damage the...
Subsidized Housing
How do I know if my housing is subsidized?
In some cases this may be obvious. One of the most common types of subsidized housing is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. This is...
What to Do if You Are Not Treated Fairly in Court
You should be treated fairly and with respect when you go to court. If you had a court hearing and the Town or Village Justice did not treat you with fairness and courtesy, you have a right to...