How to get a lawyer under the New York City Right to Counsel (RTC) Law?

What is Right To Counsel (RTC)?

City law mandates that tenants facing eviction in Housing Court or in NYCHA Termination of Tenancy proceedings should receive free legal representation for those cases.

However, there are not enough lawyers for everyone who needs one. People suing a landlord for repairs are not eligible for the RTC program.

Eligibility

You qualify for free legal representation in an eviction case if:

• You are 60 years old or older.
• Your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline (about $30,000 for a single person or $62,000 for a family of four).

The first step: Attending your first court date

Screenings for legal representation under the Right to Counsel law happen on or shortly after the first court date, or “intake date,” so attending your first court date gives you the best chance of getting a RTC lawyer to represent you.

If you cannot get to court for your first date or you are appearing remotely, tell the court staff that you want an attorney to represent you.

What if I don’t get an RTC lawyer?

Right now, there are not enough lawyers to cover all the cases where they are needed. Legal services providers may only be able to offer advice to help you handle your case on your own.

If a tenant is particularly vulnerable, (for example, very elderly, disabled, or otherwise incapacitated) the judge can also make a special request to get them legal representation.

Tenants can also call the Housing Court Answers hotline for further advice at 212-962-4795.

Should I hire an attorney?

Whether you hire a lawyer depends on the case and your personal finances. Lawyers can be expensive, and can also make a big difference in complex cases. Make sure to only hire housing law specialists, who know the complicated housing court system.

Avoid Scams

Right to Counsel lawyers’ services are free of charge.

If you get a phone call from someone who claims to be a lawyer and asks you for money, it is likely to be a scam.

For free legal help, call Legal Services NYC at 917-661-4500 Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more about our intake process here.

* The information does not constitute legal advice. You should always consult an attorney regarding your matter. Legal help subject to capacity and location.