How are tenants protected from harassment by owners?
Harassment by an owner is a course of action intended to force a tenant out of his/her apartment or to cause a tenant to give up rights granted to the tenant by the Rent Laws. No owner or anyone acting on behalf of the owner or as the owner’s agent may interfere with a tenant’s privacy, comfort or quiet enjoyment of the tenant’s apartment. Interference includes reducing services or engaging in baseless court proceedings. Harassment is a serious violation of a tenant’s rights. If a tenant believes they are a victim of harassment, they can file a Tenant’s Statement of Complaint(s)-Harassment (form RA-60H),with DHCR. Upon a DHCR finding of harassment, a civil penalty may be imposed on the owner. See Fact Sheet #17.
