When pressure becomes harassment
New York State law and New York City's own housing code both address landlord conduct meant to push a tenant out or to make the tenant give up rights. The city's definition is broad and has been expanded more than once, and the state also treats some harassment of rent-regulated tenants as a crime. Not every unpleasant interaction qualifies; some single acts, such as threats or a lockout, can count, while other conduct usually has to be repeated. Tenants in rent-stabilized apartments are frequent targets because their units may be worth more vacant, but tenants in other housing can be affected as well.
Keeping a usable record
Save every written buyout offer, notice, and message, along with its date. Photograph conditions and work being done, and keep copies of complaints to the landlord and to the city through 311 or the housing agency. If you want to keep a running log of incidents, talk with your lawyer about how to do it so the record serves your case. Avoid withholding rent on your own without advice, since that can give the landlord a nonpayment case that shifts attention away from the harassment. Be cautious about signing anything offered in exchange for leaving until it has been reviewed.
Paths to make it stop
In New York City, tenants can bring a case in Housing Court asking for repairs and for a finding of harassment, which can lead to orders and civil penalties against the owner. Complaints to city agencies can trigger inspections and create an official record. If an illegal lockout or a utility shut-off happens, the police and the court can be brought in quickly. We start by reviewing the history, the regulatory status of the apartment, and any pending court cases, and then decide whether the response should be a letter, an agency complaint, a lawsuit, or some combination. New York law separately prohibits retaliation against tenants who complain in good faith, which matters if the pressure increased after you reported a problem.
