Welcome to the Office of the Attorney General Online Submission Form

Unlawful Eviction Complaint Form

The New York State Office of the Attorney General, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, investigates unlawful evictions.

The Office of the Attorney General cannot provide emergency assistance to get you back in your home. If your landlord unlawfully evicts you, call 911 to ask local law enforcement to restore you to your home. You should show the law enforcement officer identification, lease, public utility bill, or other document with your name and address if you have it. If the law enforcement officer is unable to get you back into your home, you can file an application with your local housing court to be restored to possession. You can find your local housing court on the NYS Courts website for NYC and outside NYC . If your local housing court is closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you should contact the Court system at (833) 503-0447 to find your closest emergency court.

It is a Class A Misdemeanor for landlords to evict most tenants without a court order. Examples of unlawful evictions include changing the locks to your home, removing your belongings, shutting off utilities, or physically denying you access to your home.

We may refer complaints to the local District Attorney's Office or other partner agencies for investigation.

Did your landlord, the management company, or someone on their behalf try to get you to leave your home by doing one of the following?

*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.

*Who did this?

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.

Is/was your apartment located in New York State?

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

Yes

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