I Got an Eviction Notice in NYC: Your 24-Hour Action Plan

First 30 Minutes: Don't Panic, Get Organized

Breathe and Read Carefully

That paper on your door or handed to you isn't just a threat—it's a legal document with specific deadlines. Your first job is understanding exactly what you're dealing with.

Immediately do this

Take Photos of Everything

Before you touch or move the notice, photograph it with your phone. Take multiple clear photos showing the entire document and any envelope it came in. These photos could be crucial evidence later.

Also photograph:

• Where the notice was posted (your door, handed to you, etc.)

• The date and time stamp on your phone

• Any other documents that came with the notice

Next:

• Find a quiet space where you can focus

• Read the entire document word by word

• Look for these critical pieces of information:

  • The type of eviction (non-payment, lease violation, no-fault)

  • The deadline to respond (usually 10-14 days)

  • The amount owed (if it's for unpaid rent)

  • The court date (if one is listed)

Hours 1-4: Understand Your Notice Type

Non-Payment Eviction (Most Common)

If your notice says you owe rent money, this is a non-payment eviction. The good news? These are often the easiest to fight or resolve.

Key details to find:

• Exact amount owed

• Time period the rent covers

• Deadline to pay or respond

Your immediate options:

• Pay the full amount owed (including any legal fees listed)

• Negotiate a payment plan with your landlord

• Challenge the amount if you believe it's wrong

Lease Violation Eviction

These notices claim you've broken your lease terms somehow—having unauthorized occupants, causing disturbances, or damaging property.

Critical first step: Review your lease immediately to understand what you allegedly violated. Many lease violation claims are bogus or exaggerated.

No-Fault Eviction

These are evictions where the landlord doesn't claim you did anything wrong—they want to demolish the building, move family in, or convert to condos.

Hours 4-8: Know Your Rights (They're Stronger Than You Think)

NYC Tenant Protections You Need to Know Right Now

You cannot be locked out: No matter what the notice says, your landlord cannot change your locks, turn off utilities, or physically remove you without a court order. If they try, call 311 immediately.

You have the right to remain: Even with an eviction notice, you can stay in your apartment while fighting the case. The notice is just the beginning of a legal process, not an immediate eviction.

You can fight this: Every eviction can be challenged. Even if you owe rent, you may have defenses based on apartment conditions, landlord failures, or improper procedures.

The 14-Day Response Rule

Most NYC eviction notices give you 10 days to respond. This doesn't mean you have to move out in 10 days—it means you have 10 days to file a legal response if you want to fight the eviction.

Missing this deadline is the biggest mistake tenants make. Even if you plan to move out or work something out with your landlord, preserving your right to fight protects you if negotiations fail.

Hours 8-12: Document Everything

Create Your Evidence File

Start building your defense case immediately by gathering these documents:

For any eviction type:

• Your lease agreement

• All rent receipts for the past year

• Photos of apartment conditions

• Text messages or emails with your landlord

• Any notices or complaints you've made about repairs

• Bank statements showing rent payments

For non-payment evictions, also gather:

• Proof of any rent payments made

• Evidence of apartment problems that might justify withholding rent

• Documentation of any verbal agreements about late payments

Start a Timeline

Write down everything you remember about your relationship with your landlord:

• When problems started

• What conversations you've had about rent or lease issues

• Any threats or harassment from your landlord

• Dates when you reported apartment problems

This timeline will be crucial for your defense and might reveal illegal behavior by your landlord.

Hours 12-16: Calculate Your Options

Option 1: Pay and Stay (If It's Non-Payment)

If you can scrape together the money owed, paying before the court date usually ends the eviction case. But make sure you:

• Get a receipt showing full payment

• Confirm in writing that the eviction case will be dismissed

• Pay exactly the amount on the notice (not more, not less)

Option 2: Negotiate a Payment Plan

Many landlords will accept a payment plan rather than go through the expensive eviction process. If you want to try this:

• Contact your landlord immediately

• Propose a realistic payment schedule

• Get any agreement in writing

• Don't agree to move out as part of the deal

Option 3: Fight the Eviction

Even if you owe money or violated your lease, you may have strong defenses:

• Warranty of Habitability violations: If your apartment has serious problems, you may not owe full rent

• Improper notice: Landlords must follow exact procedures for eviction notices

• Retaliatory eviction: If this came after you complained about conditions or joined a tenant organization

• Discrimination: Evictions based on protected characteristics are illegal

Hours 16-20: Get Help (You Don't Have to Do This Alone)

Free Legal Help Available Right Now

Housing Court Help Centers are located in each NYC borough and provide free assistance:

• Brooklyn: 141 Livingston Street

• Bronx: 1118 Grand Concourse

• Manhattan: 111 Centre Street

• Queens: 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard

• Staten Island: 927 Castleton Avenue

Call the Met Council Tenant Hotline: 212-979-0611 for immediate phone advice.

Legal Aid Organizations

These organizations provide free lawyers for eligible tenants:

• Legal Aid Society: 212-577-3300

• Legal Services NYC: 646-442-3600

• Brooklyn Legal Services: 718-487-2300

Online Resources for Immediate Action

Right now, while you're reading this, you can take action online. LawHax's Emergency Response Tool analyzes your specific situation and generates the legal documents you need to protect yourself, available 24/7 when legal aid offices are closed.

Hours 20-24: Take Action

File Your Answer to the Eviction

If you're going to fight the eviction, you must file an "Answer" with the court. This legal document tells the court you're disputing the eviction and lists your defenses.

You can:

• Get help from a Housing Court Help Center

• Hire a lawyer

• File it yourself using forms available at NYCourts.gov

• Use LawHax's Answer Generator to create a customized response based on your specific situation

Prepare for Court

Your eviction notice should include a court date. Start preparing now:

• Organize all your documents

• Practice explaining your situation clearly

• Plan to arrive early on your court date

• Bring copies of everything for the judge and landlord's lawyer

What Happens Next: The Court Process

Your First Court Date

This is usually just a preliminary hearing where:

• You confirm you received the eviction notice

• You present your Answer if you're fighting the case

• The court schedules future dates for your case

You will not be evicted on your first court date. This is just the beginning of the legal process.

Possible Outcomes

• Case dismissed: If your landlord didn't follow proper procedures or you have strong defenses

• Settlement: You and your landlord agree to terms (payment plan, move-out date, etc.)

• Trial: If you can't settle, a judge will hear both sides and make a decision

Red Flags: When Your Landlord Is Breaking the Law

Call 311 immediately if your landlord:

• Changes your locks or tries to lock you out

• Turns off heat, water, or electricity

• Removes your belongings

• Harasses or threatens you

• Tries to make you sign papers giving up your rights

These are all illegal, and you can get emergency help from the city.

Emergency Financial Resources

NYC Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

If you're behind on rent due to COVID-19 impacts, you may qualify for emergency assistance that pays your landlord directly. Apply at nyerap.gov or call 833-499-0318.

One Shot Deal

NYC's emergency assistance program can help with rent arrears in crisis situations. Apply at your local Human Resources Administration office.

Community Resources

• Catholic Charities: Emergency financial assistance

• Salvation Army: Rent and utility assistance

• Local food banks: Free up money for rent by getting free groceries

Taking Control: Your Next Steps Right Now

You've just learned what many tenants never discover until it's too late: you have rights, options, and time to act. The eviction notice isn't the end of your housing—it's the beginning of a legal process where you can fight back.

Here's what you need to do right now:

1. Set a timer for 2 hours from now and use that time to gather all your documents and evidence

2. Call the tenant hotline (212-979-0611) tomorrow morning for immediate advice

3. Don't talk to your landlord without understanding your rights first—anything you say can be used against you

4. Get your legal response ready using available resources

Don't Wait: Generate Your Legal Response Now

While you're waiting for business hours to call legal aid, you can start protecting yourself immediately. LawHax's Emergency Response Tool is available right now to:

• Analyze your specific eviction notice

• Generate the legal documents you need to file

• Create a customized action plan for your situation

• Connect you with emergency resources in your area

Thousands of NYC tenants have successfully fought evictions using the strategies in this guide. You're not just a victim of circumstance—you're someone with legal rights in one of the most tenant-friendly cities in America.

The next 24 hours are critical, but they're also your opportunity to take control of your situation. You've got this.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For personalized legal guidance, consult with a qualified attorney or legal aid organization.

Resources mentioned in this article:

• NYC Housing Court Help Centers

• Met Council Tenant Hotline: 212-979-0611 (Monday, 1:30-8pm; Wednesday, 1:30-8pm; Friday, 1:30-5pm)

• Legal Aid Society: 212-577-3300

• LawHax Emergency Response Tool: www.lawhax.com