New York Tenant Rights and Resources

Before you rent a place, or even if you are already renting, become familiar with tenant rights and the resources specific to your city and state that are available to assist you.

Research your New York Apartment

You can research an apartment and get a comprehensive background report on the property. We recommend these tools:

Localize NYC – Type in an address in NYC to find out about planned construction, open violations and more.

NYC Building Information System – This website provides information from the NYC Department Building Information System. You can search for general information on a property in the city including recorded complaints and violations, actions, applications, and inspections

General Information for New York Residents

Official Website for the City of New York – Frequently updated with resources, programs, initiatives, events and more. Need to report a non-emergency? Use NYC:311! Dial 3-1-1 or visit 311.nyc

City of New York Apartment Hunting Guide – Offers tips to help find an apartment and explores some of the basics of housing in New York City

Better Business Bureau – Helps you find businesses and brands in your area that you can trust

Tenants Issue’s in New York

ABC’s of Housing – Department of Housing Preservation and Development guide to housing rules and regulations for owners and tenants in New York.

NYC Housing Resource Center – The City of New York has many resources to help residents find safe and affordable housing. Search this resource center for those that are right for you.

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities – Find common FAQ’s pertaining to tenant’s rights in New York.

Tenant Resource Portal – File a complaint, learn about programs designed for tenants, report a problem in your apartment, etc.

The Housing Council – The Housing Council at PathStone offers tenants education about their rights and responsibilities in New York State.

Legal Resources for New York

Attorney General – View the NY Office of the Attorney General Tenant’s Right Guide 

New York City Bar Legal Referral Service – Provides legal referral services and self-help legal clinics.

Legal Assistance for Tenants – NYC.gov webpage dedicated to connecting tenants with the free legal services they need.

Lambda Legal Helpdesk – Aid for individuals seeking legal information and assistance with discrimination related to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and HIV status

LawHelpNY.org – Helps people find free legal aid programs in their communities, and answers to questions about their legal rights. The website provides links to resources and legal aid by topic.

Legal Aid Society – The Legal Aid Society is a network of neighborhood and court-based offices in 25 locations throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

What do Renters Need to Know about Housing Discrimination? – The New York City Human Rights Law makes it illegal to treat an individual or family differently than others because of their membership in a protected class. Find out more about discriminatory practices and protected classes.

Disclaimer: Off Campus Housing and Support Services provides information to Northeastern University students, faculty and staff members solely as a courtesy. Northeastern does not endorse any of the housing options listed. Northeastern University accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of housing listings with the office. Contact with persons listed herein must be conducted independently and at your own risk.  The university does not screen, recommend, vouch for, or take responsibility for the condition or safety of housing arrangements made by students.

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Off Campus Engagement and Support (Boston)

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(617) 373-8480

offcampus@northeastern.edu

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Network Housing and Relocation

(617) 373-7071

NHR@northeastern.edu

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