Resources

Housing stock across WNY tends to be on the older side, and many of these buildings may still contain lead paint. Per the Lead Disclosure Rule, landlords in New York State must tell tenants if the rental unit has any paint that has lead in it (called lead-based paint), and about any lead-based paint hazards that the landlord knows about. Learn more about what type of information must be disclosed, what types of housing are covered by this rule, and what are the consequences if a landlord does not disclose the required information.

What happens when tenant wants to move from an apartment with no formal lease? Learn more about your rights and responsibilities when you do not have a lease.

What are your options if your apartment needs repairs and your landlord refuses to make them? If you need to make the repairs yourself, you may be able to deduct the cost of the repairs from your rent, but be sure to ALWAYS CONSULT AN ATTORNEY FIRST! Learn more about your options.

The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8 ) requires that your landlord keep your apartment in good condition, and that your apartment meets “housing quality standards.” Learn more about the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, contracts, and abatement (refusal to pay) after an inspection.

Before your landlord can put you out of your home or apartment, your landlord must serve you with court papers, take you to court, and get a warrant of eviction. Take a dive into this and other frequently asked questions regarding the eviction process, including warrants of eviction, 14-day notice, and tenants’ rights regarding their possessions in an eviction proceeding.

In New York State, your landlord is required to keep your home a safe and decent place to live. Learn more about your rights when your apartment conditions are bad or uninhabitable, including if a you can withhold rent.

In New York State, every residential lease or rental agreement contains a guarantee that your landlord will rent out a safe place to live. This guarantee is called the Warranty of Habitability. A tenant may bring up the warranty of habitability in an eviction proceeding, or as a separate claim against the landlord.

Learn more about warrants of habitability, how to schedule a warrant of habitability hearing, and how tenants may use it as a defense in an eviction proceeding.

When moving into a new place, your landlord may ask for a security deposit, to financially protect against damages. Learn more about what happens to that deposit when you move out.

Winter can be rough in WNY, and with cold weather comes potential damages due to frozen pipes, furnace issues, and more! Learn more about your rights, what to do if you need repairs, and find resources for further assistance.

What happens when you can’t pay your rent? Here’s what you can expect if your landlord wants you to leave.