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- Tenant Defense Project
Tenant Defense Project
We believe everyone deserves access to clean, affordable housing. Our lawyers litigate disputes with landlords, providing eviction defense representation, enforcing housing discrimination protections, and initiating repair proceedings to ensure safe living conditions.
Free Eviction Defense Services
Losing your home is one of the most stressful experiences anyone can endure. Our experienced lawyers and support staff are dedicated to protecting your rights. We can help stop or delay evictions, negotiate with landlords, and enforce your right to a habitable living environment.
In addition, we can assist you with related issues, such as navigating your local housing authority rules, connecting you to rental assistance, and ensuring you receive the support you need so you don’t fall through the cracks.
We serve low and moderate-income people in the following counties:
- Broome
- Cayuga
- Chenango
- Cortland
- Delaware
- Herkimer
- Jefferson
- Lewis
- Madison
- Oneida
- Onondaga
- Oswego
- Otsego
How It Works
Step 1
Call or Apply
Call our helpline or apply online
Step 2
Screening
We review your application
Step 3
Advocate Assigned
Get matched with legal support
Did You Know?
- In New York, landlords are legally required to ensure that rental properties are “fit for human habitation and for the uses reasonably intended by the parties” and that occupants are not “subjected to any conditions which would be dangerous, hazardous, or detrimental to their life, health or safety.”
- Article 7-D of the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law allows tenants in New York to sue their landlords for repairs to unsafe living conditions and reduced rent until the repairs are made. This law does not cover unsafe conditions caused by the tenant or their guests.
- Landlords must provide specific notices before starting an eviction for unpaid rent: a 5-day notice is sent via certified mail if rent isn’t paid within 5 days of the due date. This notification does not mean a nonpayment eviction action has started. Before a landlord can start a nonpayment eviction action, they must give a second, signed, written “14-day notice,” which gives you 14 days to either pay the rent you owe or leave.
- Although there is no guaranteed right to counsel in eviction proceedings in LASMNY’s service area, we work to represent as many tenants as possible and provide an eviction lawyer in court to ensure fair treatment and protect tenant rights.
Helpful Resources
FAQs
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