NYC Tenant Resources: A Comprehensive Guide
Renting in New York City can be complex, but tenants have strong legal protections and access to many public resources. This guide brings together important programs, legal information, and official tools that can help renters understand their rights, protect their housing, and access assistance when needed.
Tenant Protection Laws & Resources
The NYC Office for Tenant Protection offers guidance and assistance on topics including:
- Housing Application Assistance
- Rental Assistance
- Utility & Repair Assistance
- Housing Complaints
- Eviction Prevention
- Tenant Harassment
- Tenant Resource Tools
- Housing Court
They also host a Tenant Resource Portal featuring an Eviction Prevention Tool. This interactive tool asks tenants a series of questions and directs them to the most relevant public and private resources to stabilize their housing.
HCR Fact Sheets
The New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) publishes Fact Sheets that explain rent control and rent stabilization laws across New York City and State.
- Current Fact Sheets
- Contact HCR for additional information.
NYS Attorney General Tenants’ Rights Guide
The NYS Attorney General offers:
- Residential Tenants’ Rights Guide
- Summary of the 2019 rent law changes
Building Codes & Safety
NYC construction and housing safety laws establish standards for building maintenance, utilities, and tenant safety.
Major NYC construction codes include:
- General Administrative Provisions
- Building Code
- Plumbing Code
- Mechanical Code
- Fuel Gas Code
- Energy Conservation Code
Housing maintenance and safety laws also include:
- Fire Code
- Multiple Dwelling Law
Resources:
- NYC Department of Buildings
- Maintenance Requirements & HPD Topics: Gas leaks, heat & hot water, mold, pests, lead-based paint, smoke & carbon monoxide detectors, window guards, and more.
Resources for Seniors
Several programs are available to support senior citizens living in NYC apartments.
- NYC Rent Freeze Program (SCRIE) – freezes rent for eligible senior citizens
- Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit Rent Freeze Hotline: 929-252-7242
- Housing options such as home sharing and emergency assistance
- HCR Fact Sheet #21: Special Rights of Senior Citizens
- NYC Department for the Aging
- New York Housing Search
Disabled Tenants
Programs and resources available for tenants with disabilities include:
- Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities
- NYC Rent Freeze Program for Disabled (DRIE)
- Rent Freeze Hotline: 929-252-7242
- HCR Fact Sheet #20: Special Rights of Disabled Persons
- New York Housing Search
Health & Safety
The NYC Department of Health provides resources related to safe and healthy housing environments.
Healthy Indoors:
- Lead poisoning prevention
- Smoking laws & smoke-free housing
- Window guards / fall prevention
- Pesticides
- Noise & indoor air quality
Healthy Homes:
- Asthma management
- Carbon monoxide safety
- Domestic violence support
- Heat illness prevention
- Mold & poison-proofing
- Preventing injuries among children and seniors
Pets in NYC Apartments
Tenants who keep pets in NYC apartments should understand the city's companion‑animal laws and tenant protections.
Rights and Responsibilities (Tenants & Owners)
The NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) provides "The ABC’s of Housing" along with detailed guidance explaining both tenant rights and landlord responsibilities.
Topics include: heat & hot water, lead-based paint, window guards, locks, pests, gas leaks, stove knob covers, elevators, illegal basement/cellar occupancy, carbon monoxide & smoke detectors, mold, rent regulation, foreclosure, lotteries, rent increase exemptions, complaints & enforcement, discrimination, harassment, legal assistance, housing court, eviction, emergency planning, pets, tenant associations, lease renewals, certificates of occupancy, and building safety.