Division Of Housing Community Renewal (DHCR) Lawyer

New York City’s complex housing system is governed by laws and regulations designed to protect tenants and maintain a balance in this bustling metropolis. For tenants, understanding and exercising their rights within this framework isn’t always easy, but that’s where a dedicated New York City Division of Housing & Community Renewal (DHCR) lawyer here at Robert Rosenblatt & Associates can help. We are here to fight for your interests and ensure you receive fair treatment under the law.

Why Hire an NYC Landlord-Tenant Lawyer from Robert Rosenblatt & Associates?

Our seasoned attorneys possess a deep understanding of the DHCR, including the nuances of the Emergency Tenant Protection Act and the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act. We exclusively represent tenants, dedicating our comprehensive legal services to those facing the challenges of landlord-tenant proceedings in New York City. If you need a competent Manhattan landlord-tenant lawyer in your corner, look no further than Robert Rosenblatt & Associates.

What is the Division of Housing & Community Renewal (DHCR)?

The Division of Housing & Community Renewal is a New York State agency responsible for the maintenance and development of affordable housing. It serves as the administrative judge for tenant-landlord disputes regarding rent regulations and provides oversight for rent-controlled and rent-stabilized apartments in New York City. DHCR’s role is to enforce the laws pertaining to rent regulation, address tenant complaints, process rent overcharge applications, and facilitate a range of other housing services.

The Emergency Tenant Protection Act of 1974

This Act established rights and regulations for tenants in buildings constructed before 1974 in New York City and other municipalities. It provided a system for rent stabilization, allowing tenants to receive essential services, limiting rent increases, and providing lease renewal protections. This legislation has been a cornerstone in preventing unreasonable rent hikes and maintaining affordability for tenants.

The Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019

This act significantly strengthened tenant protections by making it more difficult for landlords to increase rents and deregulate apartments. It provided extended eviction protections, restricted the use of security deposits, and reduced the amount landlords can charge for capital improvements. The 2019 act is one of the most significant overhauls of tenant law in recent history, offering greater security and stability to renters.

Common Issues Faced by Tenants

NYC tenants often face a variety of challenges in rent-regulated apartments, including:

• Harassment: Sometimes, tenants may experience harassment from landlords seeking to pressure them into vacating rent-regulated units.
• Unfair Evictions: Landlords will, at times, attempt to evict tenants without proper cause, particularly in cases where they seek to increase rent by bringing in new tenants.
• Rent Hikes: Despite regulations, some landlords unlawfully increase rents or incorrectly calculate legal rents, burdening tenants financially.
• Repairs and Maintenance: Landlords sometimes neglect their duties to maintain premises, leaving tenants in substandard living conditions.
• Improper Deregulation: Landlords may falsely claim that an apartment is not subject to rent stabilization, often to increase rent unlawfully.
• Overcharge Claims: Tenants may discover they are being overcharged and need assistance in filing claims to recoup excess rent.

How a Division of Housing & Community Renewal Lawyer Can Help

A knowledgeable DHCR lawyer provides invaluable assistance to tenants facing these issues. Some of the ways in which Robert Rosenblatt & Associates can help include:

• Legal Guidance: We can help tenants understand their rights under current laws and navigate through the complexities of DHCR regulations.
• Representation: We provide skilled, aggressive representation for tenants in disputes, hearings, and negotiations with landlords, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
• Overcharge Recovery: We provide assistance in preparing and filing rent overcharge complaints and represent tenants through the recovery process.
• Harassment and Eviction Defense: We can devise strong defense strategies for tenants facing harassment or wrongful eviction, often halting illegal practices and securing tenants’ homes.
• Maintenance and Repair Disputes: We can aid in compelling landlords to fulfill their obligations concerning repairs and maintenance.
• Class Actions: Where multiple tenants face common issues, a lawyer can organize and lead class-action suits against landlords or management companies.

Contact Our NYC Landlord-Tenant Firm Today

As a tenant in New York City, you have rights that are protected by law and upheld by the DHCR. If you’re facing harassment, unwarranted eviction, or any other issue as a tenant, you need a Division of Housing Community Renewal lawyer who can exercise those rights. You can have confidence in your decision to turn to Robert Rosenblatt & Associates for guidance. Contact our firm today.