Tenants can . . .

Form, join, and participate in groups to protect and expand their rights or work to increase the amount of affordable housing. For example, For the Many and Citizen Action.

File complaints, if they are discriminated against, with the NYS Division of Human Rights, 888-392-3644; or the Poughkeepsie office of the NYS Attorney General, 845-485-3900, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. The office serves Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster counties.

Get free or low cost legal help through Ulster County’s Eviction Defense Services Program if they end up in court. To find out if you are eligible or to get help, contact Legal Services of the Hudson Valley listed on this page.

Get advice or help from groups like:

Tenants’ rights, City of Kingston

Landlord-Tenant Mediation Program helps resolve disagreements without involving courts or lawyers. The program is run by the Dispute Resolution Center, which has helped resolve conflicts for 15 years.

Both parties must agree to participate and then call 845-372-8771, ext. 5001, or fill out an intake form (English only). UIDN can help tenants begin the process. For general questions, call the City’s Office of Housing Initiatives, 845-334-3928.

Tenants’ rights, New Paltz Village

Landlord-Tenant Relations Council has a broad purpose, including resolving “problems and disputes between landlords and tenants through mediation and/or discussion at meetings of the Council.” Reach the council at landlordtenant@villageofnewpaltz.org. Examples of issues that may be addressed through mediation or discussion include:

  • Payment plans for back-owed rent
  • Negotiations about potential rent increases
  • Disputes over repairs, maintenance, and safety
  • Concerns between tenants about noise, garbage, or property use

Read more

Immigrant Tenant Rights: A Guide to Tenant Protections Against Harassment and Discrimination (14 pages) English, Spanish. For more languages, use the translate button at top right on this page of the NYS attorney general’s website.

Changes in New York State Rent Law: What You Need to Know (16 pages), English only.

Get information on eviction.

Find emergency housing.

Thanks to Ziyao “Jasmine” Zhang (Vassar College, 2024) for research.