New York Tenant Harassment Laws
New York statewide law prohibits landlord retaliation under Real Prop. Law § 223-b[ not confirmed ], while New York City's Tenant Harassment Law provides some of the strongest anti-harassment protections in the country with civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation.
Key Rules
- Retaliation Prohibited
- Yes — statewide prohibition on retaliatory conduct under Real Prop. Law § 223-b[ not confirmed ]
- Nyc Harassment
- NYC has specific harassment statute with 10 defined prohibited acts and civil penalties
- Penalties
- Actual damages, punitive damages, attorney's fees; NYC adds civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation
- Self Help Prohibited
- Lockouts, utility cutoffs, and removal of belongings all prohibited statewide
Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
Applicable Statutes
Retaliation prohibited: landlord may not substantially alter lease terms, threaten eviction, or harass a tenant in retaliation for complaining to authorities about housing conditions or exercising other legal rights.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
NYC Tenant Harassment: defines 10 prohibited acts of harassment including threatening physical harm, interfering with services, removing belongings, and commencing frivolous court proceedings.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Legal Aid Resources
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.