About the Universal Access to Legal Services Law

Some tenants can get a free lawyer in their cases under the Universal Access to Legal Services Law, also called the right-to-counsel law. New York City is the first city in the country to provide universal access to lawyers for tenants in housing cases.

 

How Do I Qualify for a Free Lawyer?

Visit Free Lawyers for Tenants to see if you qualify.

 

How Can a Lawyer Help?

A lawyer can help by:

• Representing you in court
• Stopping an eviction
• Getting an order for repairs
• Figuring out if the rent you are charged is too high
• Connecting you with service agencies that can help
• Negotiating with your landlord
• Preparing and filing court papers

How Do I Find a Lawyer?

To find out if you qualify and to find free legal help through nonprofit legal services provider partners:

Call (718) 557-1379 or (212) 962-4795 from Monday – Friday, between 9am and 5pm

Call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline

Email civiljustice@hra.nyc.gov. In your email, give your name, telephone number, and Housing Court case index number for your eviction case

Contact a nonprofit law office near you that provides free legal help for tenants

If you are already in the courthouse, ask the Clerk or Court Attorney in the courtroom about getting a free lawyer.

Where to Get More Information

For more information, go to Housing Court Answers or HRA's Office of Civil Justice.