If you have grievances against your landlord and want to organize with your neighbors, first understand the law.
What does the law say about my rights to organize as a tenant with my neighbors?
Section 230 of the
Real Property Law (RPP) states:
§ 230. Right of tenants to form, join or participate in tenant’s groups.
1. No landlord shall interfere with the right of a tenant to form, join or participate in the lawful activities of any group, committee or other organization formed to protect the rights of tenants; nor shall any landlord harass, punish, penalize, diminish, or withhold any right, benefit or privilege or a tenant under his tenancy for exercising such right.
2. Tenant’s groups, committees or other tenant’s organizations shall have the right to meet without being required to pay a fee in any location on the premises including a community or social room where use is normally subject to a fee which is devoted to the common use of all tenants in a peaceful manner, at reasonable hours and without obstructing access to the premises or facilities. No landlord shall deny such right.
Where can I obtain information on my rights and responsibilities as a tenant?
The New York State Attorney General offers a “Tenant’s Rights Guide” that explains many of the key issues a tenant needs to know.
Who can help me understand my rights as a tenant?
Many organizations in Westchester can assist you. Begin by contacting the organization below.
Dennis Hanratty, Executive Director
Mt. Vernon United Tenants, Inc.
40 South 4th Avenue
Mt. Vernon, New York 10551
Tel: (914) 699-1114
E-mail
I have a problem with my landlord. What organization that can help me negotiate with him or her?
The Westchester Mediation Center of CLUSTER can help you resolve a dispute or issue with your landlord. They can be reached at:
Westchester Mediation Center of CLUSTER
20 South Broadway – Suite 501
Yonkers, New York 10702
Tel: (914) 963-6500
What other non-profit organizations can help me with tenant rights issues?
Washingtonville Housing Alliance
136 Library Lane
Mamaroneck, New York 10543
Tel: (914) 698-4299
Interfaith Council for Action – IFCA
138 Spring Street
Ossining, New York 10562
Tel: (914) 941-5252
Human Development Services of Westchester – HDSW
Neighborhood Preservation Program
28 Adee Street
Port Chester, New York 10573
Tel: (914) 939-2005
Westchester Residential Opportunities – WRO
470 Mamaroneck Avenue – Suite 410
White Plains, New York 10605
Tel: (914) 428-4507
What organizations promote tenants rights as well as offer information and expert advice on a tenant’s right to organize and other tenant public policy matters?
Neighborhood Preservation Coalition of New York State
40 Colvin Avenue
Albany, New York 12206
Tel: (518) 432-6757
The NPC web site provides information on tenant legislation, informational newsletters along with tenant workshops and training in many issues including rights to organize.
New York State Tenants and Neighbors
248 Hudson Avenue
Albany, New York 12210
Tel: (518) 465-1813 or (212) 608-4320
Can my landlord retaliate against me for organizing my neighboring tenants?
No. Retaliation against tenants is prohibited under the New York State Real Property Law in Section 223-b.
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