Resources

In New York State, every residential lease or rental agreement contains a guarantee that your landlord will rent out a safe place to live. This guarantee is called the Warranty of Habitability. A tenant may bring up the warranty of habitability in an eviction proceeding, or as a separate claim against the landlord.

This document explains what a warranty of habitability is and how tenants who experience conditions in their home that threaten their health and safety may use it as a defense in an eviction proceeding or how they can bring their own action to have a warranty of habitability hearing.

Within 14 days from the time a tenant moves from an apartment, the landlord must either return their security deposit in full or provide an itemized list of deductions along
with the remainder of the security deposit. This document explains when a landlord can deduct from a security deposit and what a tenant can do if they disagree.

Winter can be rough in WNY, and with cold weather comes potential damages due to frozen pipes, furnace issues, and more! This document explains a tenant’s rights when they have are in need of cold weather-related repairs, as well as provides a list of phone numbers for local agency resources.

This document explains what happens when someone is behind on rent and how eviction proceedings work in New York. It also provides a list of phone numbers for local agency resources.

If there are things wrong with your apartment that may be dangerous to your health and safety, you may want to have your apartment inspected. This document describes when a tenant may want to contact the health department or a building inspector to have their apartment inspected and what is involved in such inspections. It also lists the local agency and department phone numbers for Western New York.

This document provides information for people facing evictions or loss of housing and emergency options available in the Western New York area. Included is a list of shelters and information on the application process, frequently asked questions regarding emergency housing issues, and options available to someone facing eviction.

A fair hearing is a chance to challenge a decision made by the Department of Social Services (DSS). This  document describes the process, how to request a hearing and how to prepare for one.

This document describes the New York State’s SNAP benefits (food stamps) program and answers frequently asked questions, including qualifications, application, potential outcomes and remedies.

In New York, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid. This document provides information on SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and Section 1619(b) Medicaid in New York State. It outlines the criteria for individuals to automatically qualify for Medicaid if they receive SSI and explains how former SSI recipients can retain Medicaid even if their SSI payments were stopped due to earned income.