Tenant Harassment
Landlord harassment is illegal in NYC. The city's harassment laws are among the strongest in the country, and tenants can take legal action against landlords who attempt to force them out through intimidation or disruption.
What Counts as Harassment
NYC law defines tenant harassment broadly. It includes: using threats or force, repeatedly filing baseless court cases, removing or interfering with essential services (heat, water, electricity), refusing to make repairs, engaging in disruptive construction, offering buyouts with threats, filing false code violations, or repeatedly contacting tenants to pressure them to leave.
Illegal Lockouts & Utility Shutoffs
If your landlord changes the locks, removes your belongings, or shuts off utilities to force you out, this is a criminal act. Call 911 if you're locked out. You can also go to housing court to get an order to be restored to your apartment. The landlord can face criminal charges and fines.
Construction as Harassment
Some landlords use unnecessary or disruptive construction to make life miserable for tenants. If construction is excessive, poorly managed, or clearly intended to force tenants out, it may constitute harassment. Document everything: noise levels, dust, lack of access, and any safety hazards.
How to Fight Back
Report harassment to 311 and HPD. You can also bring a harassment case in housing court — if the court finds harassment, the landlord faces significant penalties and the court can issue protective orders. For rent-stabilized tenants, a finding of harassment can prevent the landlord from deregulating apartments.
Do's & Don'ts
Do
- Document every incident with dates, times, photos, and witnesses
- Report harassment to 311 and HPD
- Keep written records of all communication with your landlord
- Consult with a tenant attorney
- Connect with your neighbors — harassment often affects entire buildings
Don't
- Retaliate or engage in confrontations
- Assume verbal threats aren't serious enough to report
- Accept a buyout without getting independent legal advice
- Leave voluntarily due to pressure — this may waive your rights
- Destroy evidence of harassment
Helpful Resources
Need Help? Call Met Council Hotline
(212) 979-0611Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions answered
NYC law defines harassment broadly: threats, refusing repairs to pressure you out, baseless court filings, disruptive construction, utility shutoffs, and unwanted buyout offers made with threats all qualify.
File a complaint with HPD at nyc.gov/hpd. You can also sue your landlord in Housing Court under MDL Section 302-a for tenant harassment. Document every incident with dates, times, and witnesses.
Yes. NYC's tenant harassment protections apply to all tenants regardless of immigration status. Your landlord cannot threaten to report you to immigration authorities — that is itself a form of illegal harassment.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact a qualified attorney or one of the free legal services listed above.