Eviction Attorney in New York City
Focused Counsel When Housing Is At Risk
Facing eviction or an illegal lockout in New York City raises urgent questions about where you will live, what your rights are, and how quickly you must act. Court papers, threatening notices, or a suddenly changed lock can all feel overwhelming, especially if you have never been in Housing Court before.
At Newman Ferrara LLP, we help clients navigate these stressful moments with clear, practical guidance and steady legal representation. Our firm is based in the city, and our attorneys have spent more than five decades handling real estate and landlord-tenant disputes. We work to give you a realistic view of your situation and a concrete plan for moving forward.
Whether you are a tenant trying to stay in your home or a landlord seeking to resolve a difficult tenancy lawfully, our goal is to protect your interests while respecting the procedures that apply here. We understand that time matters in eviction and lockout matters, and we strive to respond promptly when you reach out.
Facing an eviction notice or housing dispute? Complete our online form or call (212) 619-5400 to speak with experienced New York City eviction lawyers and discuss your options now.
Why Clients Turn To Newman Ferrara LLP
Clients facing eviction, illegal eviction, or lockout disputes often choose Newman Ferrara LLP because they want experienced representation paired with personal attention. Our attorneys bring more than five decades of combined experience in real estate, commercial litigation, and landlord-tenant law.
Clients value our firm because we offer:
- More than 50 years of combined experience handling eviction and landlord-tenant disputes
- Boutique-firm attention with the resources and capabilities needed for complex cases
- Experience with rent-regulated apartments, multi-tenant disputes, and building-wide issues
- A background in civil rights and class action litigation can be valuable in illegal eviction and lockout matters
- Attorneys who stay engaged with developments in housing and civil rights law
- Direct communication with a dedicated team that knows your case
Whether you are facing a pending eviction, a threatened removal, or a suspected illegal lockout, we can review your situation, explain your options, and help you move forward with greater confidence.
Facing Eviction In New York City
If you have just received eviction papers, you may feel pressure to move out immediately or to ignore the situation out of fear. Both reactions can make things harder. In many residential situations, a tenant cannot be removed without a court order and a marshal, and a landlord cannot simply decide to remove someone on their own. Understanding the steps ahead can reduce some of the panic.
New York City Housing Court generally handles eviction cases for rental properties in each borough. The papers you received should list the court location, the type of case, and a date by which you must appear or respond. Missing that date can lead to judgments that are difficult to undo, so it is important to track deadlines and act promptly.
As you prepare, gather your lease, any riders, rent receipts, correspondence with the other party, and photographs or videos that relate to your concerns. These materials help us evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the case and may be important in court. We can review these documents with you and explain how they might be used.
For tenants, it is helpful to know that receiving papers does not always mean immediate removal. The court process can involve conferences, settlement discussions, motions, and sometimes trials. For landlords, it is important to recognize that the court will look closely at whether proper notices were served and whether other laws apply. Our attorneys work to guide both sides through these requirements.
Our team of NYC landlord-tenant attorneys is familiar with how Housing Court calendars often move, how judges may approach certain issues, and how building-related problems can influence outcomes. We use this knowledge to provide realistic expectations about timing and possible resolutions. While we cannot promise a particular result, we can help you understand the road ahead and the decisions you may need to make.
Illegal Evictions & Lockouts
Illegal evictions and lockouts can occur when someone is removed or kept out of a home or apartment without the required court process. Examples can include changing the locks, removing doors, shutting off essential services to force someone out, or throwing belongings into the hallway or street. In New York, these tactics may violate the law if used to bypass proper eviction procedures.
If you arrive home to find that your locks have been changed or your belongings moved without a court-ordered eviction, you are often facing an urgent situation. Safety has to come first, so consider where you can stay temporarily and whether you need medical or other assistance. It is also important to document what you see, such as by taking photos or noting conversations, because those details can matter later.
New York law contains protections against certain self-help tactics, and authorities such as the police or 311 may sometimes be involved in responding to reported lockouts. The appropriate response can depend on factors like the type of housing, the nature of the tenancy, and any existing court orders. When you contact us, we review these facts carefully and discuss potential legal steps, which may include seeking court intervention to address possession, access, or damages.
Our attorneys treat illegal eviction and lockout matters with particular seriousness because they often touch on basic housing rights and personal dignity. Newman Ferrara LLP has a history of handling socially meaningful cases, including civil rights and class actions, and we draw on that background when evaluating patterns of improper conduct or broader building practices. While each situation is unique, we strive to respond quickly, provide clear advice, and help you consider both immediate and longer-term options.
For landlords, we also provide guidance about how to regain possession lawfully without resorting to measures that could be seen as unlawful lockouts. Complying with the proper process protects your interests and can reduce the risk of additional claims. We work with you to design approaches that respect both the law and your need for clarity about the property.
Time matters in Housing Court. Call (212) 619-5400 to speak with skilled NYC landlord-tenant attorneys about protecting your rights as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord lock me out without a court order?
No, in most residential situations, a landlord cannot simply lock you out without a court order and proper eviction process. Changing locks, removing doors, or shutting off utilities to force you out may violate New York law. If this happens, document it and consider contacting our firm promptly.
What should I do if I have just received eviction papers?
Read the papers carefully and note any court dates or deadlines. Do not ignore them and do not assume you must move out immediately. Gather your lease, rent records, and correspondence, then contact a lawyer as soon as you can so your options can be reviewed before important dates.
How quickly can your team review my eviction case?
We strive to review eviction and lockout matters as promptly as possible, particularly when court dates are close or access to a home is at stake. When you contact us, we ask about deadlines and key documents, then work with you to schedule a consultation so we can assess your situation.
Do you represent tenants, landlords, or both in eviction cases?
Our attorneys handle a range of landlord-tenant disputes, and we may represent tenants or landlords depending on the matter and any conflicts. During our initial discussion, we clarify who we can represent and how we approach cases, then tailor our strategy to the specific client and circumstances.
What information should I bring to an eviction consultation?
Bring your lease and riders, any notices or court papers, rent payment records, photos related to conditions, and written communications with the other party. These materials help us understand the history of the tenancy and the current dispute so that we can give more precise and practical guidance.
Locked out of your apartment or facing illegal evictions? Call (212) 619-5400 to discuss your situation with a seasoned attorney right away.
Why Choose Newman Ferrara LLP?
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Big Firm Results, Small Firm Attention
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We've Handled Some of the Nation's Most Significant Class Actions and Civil Rights Matters
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Decades of Legal Experience
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We've Represented Many of the City's Largest Property Owners and Tens of Thousands of Residential Tenants
How We Approach Eviction Cases
When you contact our firm about an eviction, we start by listening carefully. We want to understand how the problem developed, which notices you have received, and what deadlines may be approaching. This first review helps us identify immediate risks, such as an upcoming court date, and longer-term concerns, such as rent arrears, lease violations, or possible rent regulation issues.
Eviction cases in the city usually begin with written notices and may move into New York City Housing Court if they are not resolved. Our attorneys help clients make sense of nonpayment petitions, holdover proceedings, and other filings. We explain what each document means, how it fits into the broader process, and what options may be available at each stage.
Our team has handled a wide range of landlord-tenant disputes, including cases that involve rent-regulated apartments, alleged illegal sublets, claims of nuisance, and complex building-wide conflicts. Because we also manage significant real estate and commercial litigation, we are familiar with the way housing disputes can overlap with ownership, financing, and regulatory questions. We use that experience to develop strategies that reflect both the immediate case and the broader context.
We believe that effective representation in Housing Court calls for preparation and collaboration. Once we review your paperwork and timeline, we will discuss realistic approaches, such as negotiation, motion practice, or trial. We work with you to gather documents, identify witnesses when necessary, and organize your information so that your position can be presented as clearly as possible.
Our firm has a boutique structure, and we use that to your advantage. You work closely with our attorneys and staff, rather than being passed from person to person. At the same time, we aim to provide the level of quality and resources that clients expect from larger firms. This combination allows us to manage complex matters while keeping your case personal and focused.
Complete our online form now to review potential illegal lockouts and learn what legal remedies may be available to you.
