Housing & Rent · Surprise rank #147
Facing Eviction in NYC? You Have a Legal Right to a Free Lawyer
NYC’s Universal Access to Counsel guarantees free legal representation in Housing Court for income-eligible tenants facing eviction. Don't sign anything before calling 311.
Who
Income-eligible NYC tenants in covered eviction proceedings.
Where: NYC.
What to do
Start here: Call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline or speak with the Right-to-Counsel intake staff at Housing Court before signing an agreement.
Eligibility: Covered case, NYC tenancy and current income/service criteria.
What you get
Eligible NYC tenants facing eviction can receive free legal representation rather than only brief advice.
Benefit: A tenant lawyer for a covered Housing Court case and related eviction defense.
Possible value: Often thousands of dollars in legal value and potentially preservation of housing.
Good to know
Important: Access may begin through the court or designated providers; not every housing dispute is covered.
Availability: When an eviction case or qualifying notice exists; act immediately.
Why people miss it: Tenants often appear in Housing Court before asking whether full representation is available.
Sources reviewed: Aug 2, 2026