NAACP-Yonkers Branch Housing Committee will be hosting a Know Your Rights Tenant Forum on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Sarah Lawrence College Center for the Urban River at Beczak located at 35 Alexander Street in Yonkers.
Understanding tenant rights in Westchester County is crucial for protection against illegal evictions, harassment, and unfair rent hikes, especially during challenging economic times. Knowing your rights allows you to access legal resources, defend yourself in court, and advocate for systemic changes. The county’s “Right to Counsel” program, established in 2023, is a key resource, but awareness of other protections—like those against retaliation, discrimination, and illegal rent overcharges—is also vital for preventing housing insecurity and homelessness.
This Tenants Forum will focus on:
- Habitability concerns
- Organizing Tenant Associations
- Filing complaints with landlords, property management, and the City of Yonkers Department of Housing and Buildings
- Contacting other appropriate agencies for tenant support
Representatives from Legal Services of the Hudson Valley will be present to answer questions (please note they will not be providing legal advice or representation).
The forum will be both in person and Virtual: ZOOM Meeting ID: 284 368 5805 | Passcode: NAACP
To those who need help, here are some great resources;
- Westchester County Office of Housing Counsel: This is a primary resource for tenants facing eviction or other housing issues.
- Westchester County Human Rights Commission: Contact this commission for issues related to housing discrimination.
- New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR): This agency handles rent stabilization and rent control issues.
- Legal aid and tenant advocacy groups: Organizations like the Legal Services of the Hudson Valley provide assistance to tenants.
- Local building departments: Report dangerous or unsanitary conditions to your local building department.
- 211 Helpline: Can connect you with various local assistance programs.
Even if you think you Know Your Rights, come out because there is always new caselaw that is often in the tenants’ favor. Share this with family, friends, and neighbors because knowing your rights can help you prevent eviction, which has increased sharply in New York since the end of the moratorium. Legal representation can significantly lower the eviction rate for tenants.
