Unlawful Eviction Complaint Form

Our office partners with local law enforcement, such as the local District Attorney's Office , to investigate unlawful evictions.

In most cases, it is unlawful for your landlord to evict you without a court order. Examples of unlawful actions include:

changing the locks to your home
removing your belongings
shutting off utilities
physically denying you access to your home

Our office cannot provide emergency assistance to get you back in your home. But local law enforcement can help you. If you are unlawfully evicted:

Call 911. Ask local law enforcement to let you back into your home. Show the law enforcement officer any document you have that shows your name and address, such as identification, lease, public utility bill, or other documentation.
If the officer cannot get you back into your home, file an application with your local housing court to regain ownership. Find your local housing court on the New York state courts website for NYC and outside NYC .

*Is/was your apartment located in New York State?

Is/was your apartment located in New York State?No

Yes

*Who tried to get you to leave your home?

How did they try to make you leave your home?

*Select all that apply:

Using force;

Interrupting or discontinuing utilities (for example, heat, water, electricity);

Removing your possessions;

Removing the entrance door;

Removing or breaking the entrance door lock or changing the lock without giving you a key;

None of the above

This form is to report unlawful evictions. To get assistance with other housing issues please go to www.lawhelp.org to find legal services in your region. In NYC, you can also contact 311 to report harassment or find an attorney.

This form is to report unlawful evictions conducted by the landlord, management company, or their agents. Evictions by Marshals or Sheriffs who have a warrant issued by the court are not unlawful. Usually, the Marshal or Sheriff will leave a notice at the apartment or home stating that they carried out the eviction. If you have been evicted by a Marshall or Sheriff, you can speak with an attorney or call the court where the eviction proceeding was filed to get information about how to proceed. To get legal assistance please go to www.lawhelp.org to find legal services in your region. In NYC, you can also contact 311 to report harassment or find an attorney.

This form is to report unlawful evictions conducted by the landlord, management company, or their agents. To get assistance with problems with a roommate, friend, partner, or family member, please go to www.lawhelp.org to find legal services in your region. In NYC, you can also contact 311 to report harassment or find an attorney.

This form is to report unlawful evictions in New York State.

For help with evictions outside of New York, contact your state Attorney General’s Office or visit www.lawhelp.org/find-help for information on legal aid programs and other attorney resources for your state.

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