Withholding Rent
Renters may have a right to withhold rent if their landlord has failed to provide them with safe, livable, and sanitaryhousing.
Paying in Escrow
You may be able to pay your rent into a separate bank account. This is called paying in escrow. To do this, call your bank and ask to set up an escrow account. You should then deposit your full monthly rent into that account.
Be Aware!When the code violations have been fixed, you will be expected to turn that money over to your landlord.
How Can I Protect Myself from Eviction?
If your landlord tries to evict you for non-payment of rent, you will be able to show the Court that you have been paying your rent into escrow.
If your landlord is not providing you with safe, livable, and sanitary housing, you may also be able to ask the Court to reduce your rent. This is called a rent abatement.
It may be a good idea to contact an attorney in this situation. You can contact the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern NY at 833-628-0087 for free legal advice and representation.
