“30 days? I have to move? What am I supposed to do?”
It’s a situation all too familiar for thousands of New Yorkers. A phone call from the landlord. A verbal demand to leave. Panic sets in. What now?
At Neighbors Together, we hear these stories every day. A tenant is told they have to vacate within days or weeks, but no legal documents are ever served. Too often a tenant is someone who’s never dealt with housing court before, and out of fear or confusion, they pack up and go.
Let’s be clear: this is not legal.
What the Law Says
In New York City, a landlord cannot evict a tenant without going through the formal housing court process. That means:
- You must receive an official notice of eviction ( or a “Notice of Petition” and “Petition”) to appear in housing court.
- A judge must hear the case and issue an eviction ruling.
- Only after then can a city marshal execute the eviction.
According to the New York State Unified Court System, a tenant cannot be legally removed unless a court has ordered it. Verbal warnings, letters, or texts are not legal eviction notices.
Don’t Self-Evict
Self-eviction is when a tenant voluntarily leaves their apartment because they were told to, threatened, or harassed without going through housing court. Self-eviction is a dangerous mistake.
If you leave your home before going to court:
- You may lose your legal claim to the apartment.
- You may be disqualified from future housing aid.
- The landlord avoids legal accountability, and your rights go unenforced.
Under NYC law, only a court can decide if you have to evict -not your landlord.
What to Do If You’re Being Pressured
If your landlord is demanding that you leave, but hasn’t gone through housing court –you still have rights.
Here’s what you should do:
- Stay in your home unless you receive official court papers.
- Document everything: record calls, save texts, and keep copies of any communication.
- If you’re locked out:
- Call 911 and report an illegal lockout.
- Or visit your borough’s Housing Court and file an illegal lockout case.
According to the Legal Aid Society, it’s illegal for a landlord to change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities to force you out.
NYC Housing Court Locations
If you’re dealing with a housing issue, you can go to Housing Court in your borough:
📍 Brooklyn (Kings County)
141 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
📍 Manhattan (New York County)
111 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013
📍 Bronx
1118 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10456
📍 Queens
89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435
📍 Staten Island (Richmond County)
927 Castleton Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310
Tip: Bring all documents with you, and go early.
You May Be Eligible for Free Legal Help
According to the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD):
“Free legal services are available in every ZIP code, regardless of immigration status.”
That means you may qualify for free representation in housing court through NYC’s Right to Counsel law. Programs like the Office of Civil Justice and Housing Court Answers can help you connect with a lawyer.
Need Help Right Now?
If you’re facing eviction threats, harassment, or fear of losing your home:
Email Neighbors Together: empowerment@neighborstogether.org
We’ll help you understand your rights, connect with legal help, and walk with you through the process.
Evictions are legal processes—not hallway conversations or threatening phone calls. Don’t let fear or confusion force you out of your home. Stand firm. Get informed. Reach out.
No court papers? No eviction.
You have rights. Let’s protect them—together.
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