Finding affordable housing in the right location in New York is a difficult process. It can take a long time to locate the right apartment for you and your family, and it can be disheartening to learn that your landlord is attempting to remove you from your home.

If you receive notice of eviction, you have rights. Whether there is a valid reason to ask a renter to leave or it is an attempt to illegally evict a person from the premises, tenants can take steps to protect their interests and act on their rights. If you believe you are experiencing unfair or illegal treatment in the form of an unlawful eviction attempt, you do not have to face it alone.

What you should know about the eviction process 

A landlord cannot just decide one day to ask you leave your apartment. There are several reasons that could count as valid grounds to move forward with the eviction of a tenant, including the following:

• Late rent payments, typically after several months or occasions of late payments
• Violating specific terms listed in the rental agreement
• Doing things that cause serious damage to the property
• Doing illegal activities in the rented space

If you believe that you did not do anything to merit this notice, you could be facing an attempt at an illegal eviction. Landlords cannot ask you leave your home because of reasons related to your religious beliefs, sexual orientation or other factors. Discrimination is not acceptable, and it is illegal to evict a renter for that reason.

Even if you paid your rent on time and did what you were supposed to do, a landlord may still ask you leave. In these situations, there are several rights and protections afforded to you. This includes giving you proper notice, allowing you more time to vacate the premises and providing a legal reason for the eviction, such as remodeling of the building.

How should you fight back?

If you believe you are the victim of illegal eviction attempts or you simply want to better understand your rights as a tenant, you have the right to take steps to protect your interests. A complete evaluation of your case can help you understand if you have grounds to move forward with legal action.

Renters do not have to stand for illegal or inappropriate treatment from their landlords. If you are a victim, you do not have to simply move out and stay silent, but you can fight back.