Westchester County NY is first county with tenant right to counsel
In May 2023 Westchester County NY became the first county, and 19th jurisdiction, to provide a right to counsel for tenants in a variety of scenarios. The legislation, adopted unanimously by the County’s Board of Legislators, covers court evictions, rent increases that fail to comply with state law, public housing or rent subsidy hearings, and “restoration and/or maintenance of essential services, the deprivation of which has caused or may cause the client to vacate
the residential rental premises.” The legislation creates an Office of Housing Counsel and requires that all tenants at 300% or below of the federal poverty level receive full representation as soon as practicable (those over income are entitled to brief legal assistance).
Check out the County’s press release, as well as coverage in Lohud.
We provided support to the advocates pursuing this policy and submitted supportive testimony.
