NYC Right to Counsel: Get Free Legal Help for Your Eviction Case

Eviction can be a terrifying prospect, stripping away the security of your home and disrupting your life. But if you're a tenant in New York City facing an eviction case, you don't have to navigate this complex legal landscape alone. Thanks to the groundbreaking NYC Right to Counsel program, you may be eligible for a free eviction lawyer in NYC to fight for your housing stability.

At LawHax, we're all about empowering you with the legal knowledge you need. Today, we're diving deep into the NYC Right to Counsel, a vital lifeline for tenants that has already helped countless New Yorkers remain in their homes. This isn't just about charity; it's about a legally mandated right designed to level the playing field in Housing Court.

What is the NYC Right to Counsel?

Enacted in 2017, New York City's Right to Counsel (RTC) law was a pioneering initiative, making NYC the first city in the nation to guarantee legal representation for low-income tenants facing eviction. This means that if you meet certain eligibility criteria, the city will provide you with a pro bono legal aid NYC eviction attorney to represent you throughout your Housing Court case or NYCHA administrative proceeding.

Before RTC, the vast majority of landlords had lawyers, while most tenants did not. This created a massive power imbalance, often leading to swift evictions. The Right to Counsel program aims to correct this by ensuring tenants have expert legal guidance to protect their rights and their homes. The results speak for themselves: in 2024, a staggering 89% of households represented by an attorney under RTC remained stably housed.

Who is Eligible for Free Legal Help?

The NYC Right to Counsel program is designed to assist low-income New Yorkers. You are generally eligible for a free lawyer if:

• You are facing an eviction case in NYC Housing Court (this includes "nonpayment" cases for unpaid rent and "holdover" cases for other lease violations) or a NYCHA termination of tenancy proceeding.

• Your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline. While this number changes, it's roughly around $30,000 for a single person or $62,000 for a family of four. Don't worry if your income is slightly above this; it's still worth checking, as there may be other factors considered or you might still qualify for legal advice.

• Your immigration status does not matter. The Right to Counsel applies to all tenants, regardless of their immigration or citizenship status.

It's important to note that you don't need to live in a specific zip code to qualify; the program is city-wide. Even if you're over the income threshold, you may still be entitled to a free legal consultation or advice session.

How to Access Your Free Eviction Lawyer in NYC

Accessing your Right to Counsel lawyer is crucial for a strong defense. Here's how to get connected:

1. Call 311 and Ask for the Tenant Helpline: This is your primary point of contact for getting connected with legal services under the Right to Counsel program.

2. Contact a Legal Aid Society or Other Nonprofit Legal Services Provider Directly: Several organizations partner with the city to provide these services. Here are some key contacts:

   • Legal Aid Society: You can find borough-specific numbers:

     • Manhattan: 212-426-3000

     • Brooklyn: 718-722-3100

     • Bronx: 718-991-4600

     • Queens: 718-286-2450

     • Staten Island: 347-422-5333

   • Legal Services NYC1 Access Line: Call 917-661-4500 (Monday – Friday, 10 am to 4 pm). They have intake specialists available in all languages.

   • New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG): 212-613-5000

   • Email the Office of Civil Justice (OCJ): You can email civiljustice@hra.nyc.gov. Be sure to include your name, telephone number, and your Housing Court case index number if you have it.

3. In Housing Court: If you're already in Housing Court for your case, ask the Clerk or Court Attorney about getting a free lawyer. Often, legal services providers will have representatives present on "Right to Counsel" court days to screen tenants for eligibility. Attending your first court date is vital as screenings for legal representation often happen on or shortly after this initial appearance.

The Benefits of Having a Tenant Lawyer in NYC

Having a tenant lawyer NYC free through the Right to Counsel program offers significant advantages:

• Equalizing the Playing Field: Your lawyer will provide expert legal knowledge, balancing the power dynamic that often favors landlords in eviction cases.

• Stopping Evictions: Statistics clearly show that legal representation dramatically increases a tenant's chances of staying in their home. In NYC, 84% of represented tenants remained in their homes.

• Negotiating with Your Landlord: A lawyer can skillfully negotiate with your landlord, potentially reaching favorable settlements that avoid eviction, like payment plans or repairs.

• Understanding Complex Laws: Housing law is intricate. Your attorney will help you understand your rights, prepare and file necessary court papers, and navigate the procedures.

• Addressing Other Issues: Beyond preventing eviction, a lawyer can help identify if your rent is too high, secure orders for necessary repairs, or connect you with other relevant service agencies.

• Preventing Homelessness: By keeping tenants housed, the Right to Counsel program is a crucial tool in preventing homelessness and its devastating ripple effects on individuals, families, and the city as a whole.

What if I Don't Qualify for Free Legal Help?

Even if your income is above the Right to Counsel threshold, don't despair! There are still resources available to help you understand your rights and options:

• Free Legal Consultations: Many legal aid organizations and private attorneys offer free initial consultations. This can be a great way to get preliminary advice and understand the strength of your case.

• Tenant Hotlines and Workshops: Numerous community organizations and housing advocacy groups offer free hotlines for advice and host workshops to educate tenants on their rights and the eviction process.

• Law School Clinics: Local law schools often run clinics where students, supervised by experienced attorneys, provide free or low-cost legal assistance to the community.

• LawHax: If you want to write your own Answer, try LawHax Answer Builder. Built by a NY licensed attorney, it’s an effective DIY tool to draft a court-ready “Answer” under 10 minutes. Save your time and submit your answer within 10 days.

The NYC Right to Counsel program is a powerful resource that every eligible New Yorker should utilize. Don't face eviction alone. Take advantage of your right to free legal representation and fight to keep your home. If you're facing eviction in NYC, pick up the phone and call 311 today! Your future may depend on it.