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Harassment cease-and-desist

To: Your landlord (cc NYC HPD Anti-Harassment Unit)

Deadline / timing: No fixed statute, but file the HP harassment proceeding within 1–3 years of the conduct

How to file →

Your first letter is free. No card, no signup. We will send you to a free preview where you can copy or download.

Tell us what happened

We ask only what we need to write the right letter. About 30 seconds.

Your full name *

Your email (for receipt)

Your phone

Building address *

Apartment number *

Landlord, managing agent, or attorney name *

Landlord / managing agent address *

Which types of conduct apply? (select all that match — describe specifics in narrative) *

Describe each incident in chronological order *

For each: date, what happened, who was involved, who witnessed, what evidence you have. Be specific.

What evidence do you have?

Texts, emails, voicemails, photos, video, witness names. List by item.

Have you called 311 or filed HPD complaints?

Dates and complaint numbers if known.

Have you been offered a buyout? How many times since refusing?

Free preview before any payment.

What this letter will cite

NYC Admin Code § 27-2004(a)(48) — Defines harassment broadly: force or threats; repeated frivolous court proceedings; interruption of essential services; baseless eviction notices; demolition without permit; offers of buyouts after refusal; contacting tenant by repeated communications after refusal; etc.
NYC Admin Code § 27-2005(d) — Express statutory bar on owner harassment of any lawful occupant, with civil penalties.
NYC Admin Code § 27-2115(m) — HPD or tenant may bring an HP harassment proceeding in NYC Housing Court. Civil penalties + injunctive relief available.
NYC Admin Code § 27-2115(h) — Tenant may file an HP harassment proceeding in Civil Court of the City of NY (Housing Court) for an order to cease + restore conditions + civil penalties.
NY RPL § 768 — Self-help eviction is a class A misdemeanor. Treble damages; attorney fees.

Tenant Defender is research and self-help. Not legal advice. For complex eviction or harassment cases, contact a NY tenant attorney or Met Council on Housing (311 → tenant rights).