NYC right to counsel is a city law that can get you a free lawyer when your landlord takes you to Housing Court. The NYC right to counsel program comes from Local Law 136 of 2017, and its main goal is to help income-eligible tenants.
What NYC Right to Counsel Actually Says
Most people think free lawyers are only for criminal cases. For a long time, that was true. Tenants in eviction cases usually had to pay for a lawyer or go it alone. However, New York City changed that in 2017. The NYC right to counsel law made the City responsible for giving legal help to tenants in Housing Court.
In plain English, here is how it works. If you meet the income rules, the City pays a legal services group to represent you. That lawyer can look over your papers, spot mistakes, and argue your case. If you earn more than the limit, you may still get brief legal advice. For example, a lawyer might explain your options or help you plan your next step.
The NYC right to counsel law is a city law, not a state law. As a result, it applies only in New York City’s five boroughs. The exact income cutoff is tied to a formula that updates over time. This page does not list a dollar figure, because it must be confirmed with the NYC Office of Civil Justice for the current year.
| Provision | Exact rule | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Name of the law | Right to Counsel in Housing Court | NYC Local Law 136 of 2017 |
| Who gets a full lawyer | Income-eligible tenants facing eviction cases in Housing Court | NYC Local Law 136 of 2017 |
| Current income limit | Changes over time; confirm the figure for 2026 with the NYC Office of Civil Justice | NYC Local Law 136 of 2017 |
| Where it applies | New York City Housing Court only (all five boroughs) | NYC Local Law 136 of 2017 |
| Who pays | The City, through legal services groups; free to the tenant | NYC Local Law 136 of 2017 |
Who NYC Right to Counsel Covers (and Who It Does Not)
In most cases, NYC right to counsel covers tenants who are being sued for eviction in Housing Court. That includes nonpayment cases, where the landlord says you owe rent. It can also include holdover cases, where the landlord says your lease ended or you broke a rule. Typically, you must also meet the income rules to get a full lawyer.
The law does not cover everyone. For example, it does not reach cases outside New York City. If you rent in Yonkers, Long Island, or upstate, this program does not apply. Also, some case types may fall outside it. Check with your court or a local legal-aid office to confirm your case qualifies.
Here is some good news. Even if you earn too much for a full lawyer, the NYC right to counsel program may still offer free brief advice. As a result, it is always worth asking. Many tenants skip asking because they assume they will not qualify. Don’t make that mistake. Official Housing Court information is on the New York City Housing Court page.
What Your Landlord Must Do Under This Law
The NYC right to counsel law mostly puts duties on the City, not your landlord. The City must fund and arrange the lawyers. However, your landlord still must follow the normal eviction rules. That means your landlord must go through Housing Court. A landlord cannot legally lock you out, remove your things, or shut off utilities to force you out.
Your landlord also cannot punish you for asking for a lawyer. Using NYC right to counsel is your legal right. If your landlord pressures you to settle fast or skip court, slow down. For example, a landlord’s lawyer may hand you a deal in the hallway. You do not have to sign it on the spot. Ask to speak with a free lawyer first.
Keep every paper you get. That includes court papers, rent notices, and letters. Your lawyer will need them. In most cases, the more you bring, the faster your lawyer can help.
What You Can Do When It Is Broken
Sometimes a tenant does not get a lawyer right away. For example, the legal groups may be very busy. If you show up to court with no lawyer, tell the judge you want one under NYC right to counsel. You can ask the judge to pause the case so a lawyer can be assigned. The judge decides whether to grant that request.
If you are turned away and think you qualify, ask why. Write down names, dates, and what you were told. Then contact the NYC Office of Civil Justice or the Housing Court help center. Tenant groups and legal-aid offices can also help you push for a lawyer. NYC right to counsel exists to help you, so speak up.
If your landlord tries an illegal lockout or harasses you, that is a separate problem. You may be able to file a complaint with the City. The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) handles many housing complaints. For an active eviction, always contact a local legal-aid office or tenant attorney as soon as possible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does NYC right to counsel cost anything?
No. If you qualify, the City pays for your lawyer. You should never be asked to pay a fee for this help.
What if I earn too much to qualify?
You may still get free brief legal advice. NYC right to counsel is designed so that more tenants get at least some help. Confirm the current income limit with the NYC Office of Civil Justice.
Can I get a lawyer before my first court date?
In many cases, yes. Reaching out early gives your lawyer more time to review your case. Contact the court’s help center or a local legal-aid office as soon as you get papers.
Protect your stuff while you sort this out
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Find Your State’s Exact Rules
Notice periods, deposit caps, and the eviction timeline all change from state to state. Pick your state to see the exact days, dollar limits, and steps that apply where you live.
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Sources & How to Verify
The rules on this page are drawn from official government and legal-aid sources. Tenant law changes, so always confirm the exact rule with your state’s statute or a local legal-aid office.
- HUD: hud.gov — federal renter protections and fair housing
- Legal Services Corporation: lsc.gov — find free legal aid in your state
- Cornell Legal Information Institute: law.cornell.edu/wex — plain-English legal definitions
- Your state statute & court self-help portal: search “[your state] landlord tenant act” and “[your state] court self-help eviction” for the exact law and forms
Content last reviewed September 2026. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
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Informational only — not legal advice. Tenant Rights Info is an independent educational resource, not a law firm, and this page does not provide legal advice. Landlord-tenant law varies by state and city and changes over time, so always verify the exact rule with your state’s statute, your local court’s self-help portal, or a legal-aid office. For urgent situations like an active eviction, contact a local legal-aid office or a licensed tenant attorney in your state right away.