How do I file a complaint against a landlord in NYC?
Landlord-tenant issues affecting rent stabilized or rent controlled apartments in New York City come under the jurisdiction of The New York State Homes and Community Renewal Agency. And you can contact that Agency with complaints at
Are 311 complaints Anonymous NYC?
Your 311 calls are not as anonymous as they seem. The Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications’ Dean Schloyer says that taking away anonymity might discourage people from calling; he also said that 70% of calls are for “simple information on government services.” Gothamist confesses that we LOVE 311.
How do I make a complaint against my landlord?
You can make a formal complaint by writing a letter to your landlord. Explain your problem and what you want them to do to solve it. Tell them what rights you have and what you think they should have done. Talk to an adviser at your nearest Citizens Advice to find out what rights you have.
How do I report a landlord in New York State?
If you believe your landlord is not following the law related to rent increases, you can make a complaint to the New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal at hcr.ny.gov.
What makes an apartment illegal in NY?
New York City zones buildings to be residential or commercial and there are laws dictating specifications for bedroom size, heat, gas, water, and sanitation issues. So what makes an apartment illegal? For starters, the apartment is illegal if the space is used in a manner beyond what the building permit specifies.
Can a landlord just throw you out?
No, a landlord cannot just kick you out. They need to follow the formal eviction process provided in your state. If a landlord uses illegal self-help measures, such as changing the locks or throwing out your belongings, you should be able to hold the landlord accountable and remain on the property.
What your landlord Cannot do?
A landlord cannot evict a tenant without an adequately obtained eviction notice and sufficient time. A landlord cannot retaliate against a tenant for a complaint. A landlord cannot forego completing necessary repairs or force a tenant to do their own repairs. A landlord cannot remove a tenant’s personal belongings.
Can a landlord change your locks without an eviction notice?
A landlord changes the locks without cause Landlords, don’t do this. Even if a renter failed to pay rent or destroyed the property, you don’t have the right to lock them out of their place. Changing the locks without going through the proper eviction procedures is illegal in almost every state.
What do I do if my landlord wants me to move out?
If the tenant objects to the termination notice, but the landlord still wants the tenant to leave, then the landlord can either serve a new termination notice, or apply to terminate the tenancy in court.
Can you sue a landlord for emotional distress?
If you’re seeking damages for emotional distress caused by a landlord’s discrimination, or punitive damages for especially blatant and intentional discrimination, a lawsuit may well be your best bet. Understand what’s involved in suing your landlord. You may file a lawsuit in either federal or state court.
How much time should a landlord give you to move out?
30 days
Can my landlord make me move out early?
A landlord can terminate a California tenancy early and evict the tenant for a variety of reasons, including failure to pay rent, violating the lease or rental agreement, or committing an illegal act. Before terminating the tenancy, the landlord must give the tenant written notice.
Can a landlord terminate a month-to-month lease without cause?
No. California law allows an owner to terminate a month-to-month tenancy on 30 or 60 days’ notice WITHOUT providing a reason. By contrast, if no reason is given, all the owner has to show in court is that the notice was properly serve and the tenant did not move.
Does breaking a lease hurt your credit?
If you pay all outstanding charges before moving, including any back rent and fees, breaking a lease won’t hurt your credit score. However, breaking a lease can damage your credit if it results in unpaid debt. Landlords generally don’t report unpaid rent to credit bureaus.
Does your landlord have to give you notice?
Notice Requirements for California Tenants Unless your rental agreement provides a shorter notice period, you must give your landlord 30 days’ notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. Be sure to check your rental agreement which may require that you give notice on the first of the month or on another specific date.
Can I refuse to let my landlord show my apartment?
Yes, the landlord can show the apartment to prospective tenants while you are still living there. You cannot flatly refuse. California law states that a landlord can enter a rental unit to show the rental unit to prospective tenants, purchasers, or…
Can landlord enter apartment without notice?
In all states, a landlord can enter the property in an emergency without notice or permission. Even if your landlord gives you notice, he or she must have a good reason to enter the property. In most cases, your landlord can enter your home: In an emergency.
Can a landlord inspect your bedroom?
Yes, landlords are legally allowed to inspect your property. After all, it’s their property and they own it, so it’s natural that they would want to check up on it every so often.
Can a landlord look in cupboards?
Can a landlord can a landlord look in your personal space such as closet cabinet refrigerators, while doing inspections? Yes, if those things are included in your lease. They can check inside closets and cabinets for signs of pests, mold, water damage, etc.
Are random apartment inspections legal?
In California, landlords cannot conduct random inspections. California Civil Code Section 1954 limits the access landlords have to an occupied rental property to only four instances: in case of an emergency, in the event of abandonment by the tenant, to do repairs or improvements, or to show the apartment to …
What happens if you fail an apartment inspection?
Failing an apartment inspection can prevent you from being able to renew, get your full deposit back, or get a letter of recommendation from the landlord for future housing applications.
Why do apartments do random inspections?
Landlords who conduct routine inspections do so because they want to keep their property in good condition. The inspection should be quick and easy, and it gives you an opportunity to discuss any potential issues with your landlord.
Can apartment management enter your apartment?
Landlords and managers can legally enter a tenant’s apartment for legitimate purposes if they give the tenants reasonable advance notice (usually 24 hours) using a Notice to Enter. In some states, landlords can only enter an apartment during normal business hours, unless it’s an emergency.
What can a landlord do during an inspection?
For a basic inspection, landlords need to check under sinks, check the smoke detectors, replace furnace filters, look for obvious signs of damage and verify that the unit is being used appropriately.
Can you be evicted for having a dirty apartment?
Can you be evicted for having a messy apartment? If it is messy enough, yes. However, if you feel your landlord is harassing you, or if you have been served with an eviction notice and want to learn your rights, contact a local landlord-tenant lawyer that will help you decide next steps.
Can a landlord take photos during an inspection?
Landlords or their agents need to take photographs on the inspection visits but within reason. The photographs should be to record how the tenant is looking after the property. However, the RTA does not permit a landlord to photograph the unit, or to post photos online.
How long does an apartment manager have to fix a problem?
Set a reasonable deadline and let the landlord know you intend to withhold rent if the problem is not resolved. California law gives landlords 30 days to fix habitability problems, less if the circumstances warrant prompter attention.
Do I have to pay rent if my apartment flooded?
Your lease might specify whether or not the landlord can evict you if there is total or partial water damage to the unit you’re living in. If it’s minor, you won’t be able to cancel the lease. If you do leave your apartment because of water damage, you shouldn’t have to pay rent for that month.
What can you do if your apartment doesn’t fix things?
One way to get your landlord to fix bad conditions is to withhold all or some of your rent until the landlord actually makes the repairs. This is called “rent withholding.” Tenants have a right to withhold rent because landlords are obligated to provide safe and habitable housing under the warranty of habitability.
Can I stop paying rent if repairs aren’t done?
If your landlord has not met the responsibility of keeping your unit livable, you may be able to stop paying any rent to the landlord until the repairs are made. This is called rent withholding. Many states have established rent withholding, either by statute or court decision.