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:
Where to Get More Information
For more information, go to Housing Court Answers or HRA's Office of Civil Justice.