NYC Tenant Rights 2025: Your Essential Guide to 10 Key Protections

New York City is one of the most tenant-protective cities in the United States—but to benefit from those protections, you need to know your rights. Whether you're facing eviction, living in poor conditions, or dealing with a landlord who refuses to make repairs, understanding your tenant rights in 2025 is the first step toward protecting your home.

This guide breaks down the most important NYC tenant rights you need to know, updated for 2025, including key changes in local housing law, how to respond to a court notice, and what to do if your landlord crosses the line.

1. You Cannot Be Evicted Without a Court Order

Landlords cannot evict you without first taking you to court and getting a judgment.

Even if you're behind on rent or your lease has ended, your landlord must file a formal eviction case in Housing Court, and you have the right to defend yourself.

If you receive a court petition:

• You have 10 days to file an Answer.

• Filing an Answer prevents default judgment and gives you a chance to explain your side.

• If you ignore it, the court may rule against you automatically.

2. You May Be Eligible for Rent Stabilization

Over 1 million NYC apartments are rent-stabilized—meaning your landlord must:

• Follow strict limits on how much they can raise your rent each year,

• Offer you a renewal lease unless there’s a valid legal reason not to,

• Maintain essential services (heat, hot water, repairs).

You can check if your apartment is rent-stabilized by:

• Looking at your lease for language about rent regulation,

• Searching your address on the NYC Rent Guidelines Board website,

• Requesting your rent history from the NY State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR).

3. You Have the Right to a Written Lease (and Receipts)

Even if you're in a month-to-month rental, you have the right to:

• A written lease agreement,

• Receipts for any rent you pay in cash, and

• At least 30 days’ written notice before a landlord tries to terminate your lease.

As of 2025, lease renewals and termination notices must be delivered in writing, with specific timeframes based on how long you’ve lived there.

4. Your Landlord Must Make Repairs and Keep the Apartment Safe

Under NYC’s Housing Maintenance Code, your landlord is legally required to provide:

• Heat and hot water,

• Working plumbing and electricity,

• A pest-free environment,

• Structural safety (no leaks, mold, or ceiling collapse).

If your landlord refuses to fix serious problems, you can:

• Call 311 to report the violation,

• Withhold rent in some cases,

• File an HP Action in Housing Court to force repairs.

5. You May Qualify for Free Legal Representation

Thanks to the Right to Counsel law, low-income NYC tenants have the right to a free lawyer in Housing Court if facing eviction.

Eligibility depends on your zip code and household income. You can:

• Call 718-557-1379 (NYC Tenant Helpline),

• Visit www.evictionfreenyc.org to check your eligibility.

6. Your Landlord Can’t Harass or Lock You Out

It is illegal for a landlord to:

• Change your locks without a court order,

• Shut off utilities to force you out,

• Threaten or harass you into leaving,

• Enter your home without proper notice (typically 24 hours).

If this happens, you can call 911, file a complaint with HPD, or file an illegal lockout case in Housing Court to get back into your home.

7. Rent Increases Are Regulated

If you're in a rent-stabilized apartment, your landlord can only raise rent based on what the Rent Guidelines Board allows.

For 2025, the Rent Guidelines Board approved:

• 2.75% increase for 1-year leases,

• 5.25% increase for 2-year leases. (Example only; verify current rates at NYCRGB)

If you're in a market-rate apartment, your rent can increase at lease renewal—but you must be notified in writing with at least 30 days' notice if the increase is 5% or more.

8. You Can Defend Yourself in Court (Even Without a Lawyer)

If you're facing eviction and don’t have a lawyer, you can still represent yourself in Housing Court. You have the right to:

• File an Answer with defenses and counterclaims,

• Request an adjournment (postponement),

• Ask for mediation or settlement conferences.

Pro tip: Use online tools like LawHax to prepare your Answer and understand the process—especially if you can’t afford an attorney.

9. You Have the Right to File an Answer and Defend Yourself

Once you receive an eviction petition, you have the right to:

• File an Answer explaining your side and listing defenses,

• Request more time to prepare your case,

• Represent yourself in Housing Court, or

• Get help from a lawyer.

Even without a lawyer, you can still fight to keep your home using tools like LawHax to guide you step-by-step.

10. You Have the Right to Understand the Process

You have a right to clear information about your case, lease, and legal options. Whether through free legal help, court resources, or tenant education tools, you are not alone.

Want help now? LawHax gives you a fast, easy way to file an Answer and understand your case—without needing a lawyer.

Summary Table of Tenant Rights (2025)

🆘 Need Help?

Here are free or low-cost resources available to NYC tenants:

• Legal Aid Society – www.legalaidnyc.org
  Free legal help for low-income tenants in Housing Court.

• Right to Counsel NYC – www.evictionfreenyc.org
  Find out if you qualify for a free lawyer under NYC law.

• NYLAG (New York Legal Assistance Group) – www.nylag.org
  Offers housing legal aid and helps tenants understand their rights.

• LawHax – www.lawhax.com
  Build your Answer online in 10 minutes. Free preview, edit-ready download available for a low fee.

Know your rights. Use your rights. Stay in your home.