Strategy in Action

Tool : Tenant Harassment Protections

In June 2016, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law Intro 851, a bill that gives commercial tenants legal recourse against landlords who engage in harassment. The bill defines commercial tenant harassment as “any act or omission by or on behalf of a landlord” that intends to cause a tenant to vacate a rented property or waive their rights under their lease or applicable law. It provides examples of harassment, such as landlords using force against tenants, interrupting or discontinuing essential services (like water, electricity, or necessary maintenance), and preventing a tenant from entering the premises. Tenants whose landlords engage in such actions can bring action in court. If found guilty, the landlord can be prevented from engaging in further harassment, fined between $1,000 and $10,000, and/or required to pay the tenant relief costs and legal fees.