If a tenant is harassing another tenant in NYC, it is important to report the behavior to the landlord or property manager immediately. Ignoring the situation could result in harm to the victim and could also put the landlord in legal trouble for not addressing the issue.
To handle the situation effectively, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the legal remedies available to the victim and the landlord’s obligations.
This article discusses what to do if a tenant is harassing another tenant in NYC, including how to report the harassment and the consequences for the perpetrator. We also include the legal steps that landlords can take to ensure their properties are safe.
Understanding Tenant Harassment In Nyc
If you’re a landlord, you don’t want to deal with tenant harassment. If you’re a tenant, you want to know what counts as harassment and what you can do about it.
Let’s discuss the definition of tenant harassment, examples of tenant harassment in NYC, and relevant nyc laws on tenant harassment.
Definition Of Tenant Harassment
Tenant harassment refers to deliberate and repeated behavior by a landlord or another tenant that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable in your own home.
Property owners in new york city are required to provide safe and habitable dwelling spaces for their tenants, and harassment violates that right.
Here are some common examples of tenant harassment:
Examples Of Tenant Harassment In Nyc
- Verbal or physical threats or intimidation.
- Entering your apartment without notice or permission.
- Turning off your utilities, such as heat or hot water.
- Refusing to make necessary repairs.
- Filing frivolous lawsuits or complaints against you.
- Refusing to accept your rent payment.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it could be considered harassment. Here are the relevant nyc laws that protect tenants against harassment:
Relevant Nyc Laws On Tenant Harassment
The tenant protection act
This law gives tenants more options to sue their landlords for harassment by creating new standards of harassment and expanding the rights of tenants to sue.
Human rights law
This law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, and a variety of other factors. Harassment based on these protected characteristics could be a violation of human rights law.
Rent stabilization law
This law gives rent-stabilized tenants more leverage by providing for treble damages which means that landlords sued for harassment may be required to pay three times what the tenant has suffered.
Steps To Take If One Tenant Is Harassing Another
Encouraging Tenants To Report Any Incidents Of Harassment
It is essential to encourage tenants to come forward if they experience any harassment. This will allow for swift and effective action to be taken to protect the victim, witnesses, and the property as a whole. Here are some ways to encourage tenants to report:
- Display posters or flyers in communal areas such as lobbies, elevators, and notice boards, explaining what harassment is and how it can be reported.
- Hold meetings with tenants to discuss the importance of reporting incidents of harassment and establish a culture of openness, with no tolerance for such behavior.
Contacting The Landlord Or Building Management
Tenants who are experiencing harassment should contact their landlord or building management as soon as possible. The landlord or management team may be able to intervene and resolve the issue. Here’s how tenants can contact the landlord or building management:
- Call or email the landlord or building management to report the harassment.
- If the harassment is happening continuously, it is best to put the complaint in writing.
Filing A Complaint With The Nyc Department Of Housing Preservation And Development (Hpd)
If the landlord or building management is unable to resolve the issue, the victim can file a complaint with the NYC department of housing preservation and Development (hpd). Here are some steps to follow:
- The victim can call 311 or visit the hpd website to file a complaint.
- The victim can provide details of the harassment, such as the type of harassment, the date and time it occurred, and any witnesses.
- Once the complaint is filed, the hpd will investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
FAQs for What to Do If a Tenant is Harassing Another Tenant in Nyc?
How Do I Report Tenant Harassment In Nyc?
Contact the NYPD or 311 to report the harassment. Gather evidence if possible, including witnesses and communication records.
What Is Considered ‘Tenant Harassment’ In Nyc?
Actions such as verbal abuse, threats, and repeated, unsolicited visits to a tenant’s apartment may be considered harassment.
Can A Landlord Be Held Liable For Tenant Harassment?
Yes, a landlord can be held responsible for tenant harassment if they knew about the harassment and failed to take action.
What Legal Action Can Be Taken Against Tenant Harassment In Nyc?
A tenant can sue their harasser for compensation and court orders to stop the harassment. They can also file a complaint with the new york state division of Homes and Community Renewals.
Conclusion
Addressing tenant harassment in NYC is essential to ensure a peaceful living environment. Reach out to a property attorney, document everything, and inform the housing authority promptly.
Don’t let fear hinder you; safeguard your living space and foster harmonious relationships among tenants.
Reference
https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/tenant-harassment.page
I need help. Landlord not addressing the situation. He keep sayin he will speak to him. He does tenant downstairs stop for 2 months and continue to harass us. Been going on for 2 years. And yesterday he broke camera me n ppl in basement bought for our safety
Hey Anthony,
That sounds like an incredibly distressing situation. Safety should always be a priority, and if you feel threatened or harassed, it’s essential to take immediate action. If the landlord isn’t responsive, you might want to consider the following steps:
Document Everything: Keep records of all interactions with the harassing tenant. This includes dates, times, descriptions of incidents, and any communication (texts, emails, voice recordings). Also, store a backup of the footage from the broken camera, if accessible, as it might serve as evidence.
Police Involvement: If you believe your safety is at risk, don’t hesitate to contact the NYPD. They can provide guidance on whether the situation warrants a restraining order or other legal actions.
Legal Counsel: Consider consulting with a tenant attorney or legal aid society in NYC. They can advise on potential legal remedies and steps to ensure your safety and rights are protected.
Seek Support: Reach out to tenant advocacy groups or community organizations that might offer guidance, support, or resources for situations like yours.
Alternative Housing: If your safety is at immediate risk and the situation isn’t being addressed, consider finding alternative housing or shelter until the issue is resolved.
Remember, always prioritize your safety and well-being. I hope the situation gets resolved soon.
I am going through a tenant harassment process for the first time. How to I seek a PRO-BONO attorney?Is a website or phone number I could call for help.
Hey Marlon
I’m sorry to hear that you are going through tenant harassment. Here’s how you can seek a pro bono attorney and get the help you need:
Contact Legal Aid Societies:
Legal Aid Society: You can reach them at (212) 577-3300 or visit their website.
Legal Services NYC: Call them at (917) 661-4500 or check their website for more information.
Visit Law School Clinics:
Some law schools have clinics where law students, supervised by their professors, provide legal assistance. In NYC, you could check with:
Columbia Law School Clinics
NYU Law Clinics
Fordham Law Clinics
Use Online Legal Aid Directories:
LawHelpNY: Offers a search tool for finding free legal aid in New York.
Pro Bono Net: This is a national organization that can connect you with volunteer lawyers in New York.
Contact Local Bar Associations:
New York State Bar Association: Offers a lawyer referral service.
New York City Bar Association: Provides a legal referral service where you can get a 30-minute consultation with an attorney for a fee.
Here is the list of PPro bono lawers in New York City: https://rentalawareness.com/list-of-pro-bono-lawyers-nyc/
I live in a new building where there is ABSOLUTLY NO INSTALATION WITHIN THE WALLS. You can hear almost everything that is going on within the apartments above you. There is this Asian man who lives directly above me. This man has a nasty habit of knocking and tapping on the floor/ceiling. There has been times I was sitting quietly on purpose with no sound of anything on. I actually heard this man’s body hit the floor, and he would aggressively knock on the floor/ceiling. Another time I am sitting at my desk, and all of a sudden I am hearing a chair being dragged on the floor along with stomping. This man has been doing this for over 6 months. I have called and writing email complaints each time. Just last night into this morning @ 12:00 this same tenant is laying on the floor knocking extremely hard. He walks to listen to knocking or tapping. I have witnessed this over the pass few months on purpose, for an understanding of why this Asian Man deliberately feels the need to harass and torment me on a daily basis. The landlord suggested to record him. I did that, but for some reason they cannot hear the recordings I have sent to them.
Please advise
Hey Ms. Daye,
It sounds like you’re dealing with a really challenging and frustrating situation. Since you’ve already tried communicating with your landlord and documenting the incidents without success, it might be time to explore further options. Consider reaching out to a tenant advocacy group for advice and support. They can offer guidance on how to effectively communicate with your landlord or even mediate the situation. Additionally, you might want to look into noise-canceling solutions or additional soundproofing for your apartment to mitigate the impact of the noise.