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Housing Rights Articles

Property Owners & Occupancy · New York

New York Small Property Owners: Lawful Removal Without Self-Help

A guide for small owners navigating nonpayment, holdover, licensee, and squatter cases without illegal lockouts.

Reviewed 2026-10-01

A New York residential property owner receiving assistance with property paperwork at HPD.
A New York property owner receiving in-person assistance with residential property requirements. View image source

Legal information, not individual legal advice

Housing rights can depend on notices, deadlines, local court procedure, housing program rules, tenancy status, and facts that are not captured in a general article. Urgent court, lockout, subsidy, or eviction matters should be reviewed promptly by qualified local counsel or legal aid.

Choose the correct case type

The correct process depends on why possession is sought and the occupant’s status. Using the wrong notice or petition can delay a case.

Avoid self-help

  • Do not change locks to bypass court process where prohibited.
  • Do not remove belongings without legal authority.
  • Do not threaten or use force.
  • Do not shut off essential services to force a move.

Use official forms

New York Courts publishes statewide landlord forms for nonpayment and holdover proceedings and a specific Small Property Owner Squatter Holdover Petition Program for qualifying owners outside NYC.

Primary and authoritative sources

Continue reading

Eviction Defense

New York Eviction Defense: What to Do From the First Notice Through Court

A step-by-step guide to nonpayment and holdover cases, court papers, evidence, defenses, judgments, warrants, stays, and emergency help.

Eviction Defense

New York Nonpayment Evictions: Rent Demands, Answers, Defenses, and Court Process

How New York nonpayment cases work, including the 14-day demand, tenant answer forms, ledgers, defenses, and payment-related evidence.

Eviction Defense

New York Holdover Evictions: Notices, Lease Termination, and Defenses

A guide to holdover cases involving lease expiration, termination, alleged violations, nuisance, occupants, and possession disputes.

Emergency Rights

Illegal Lockouts in New York: Emergency Steps for Lawful Occupants

What lawful occupants can do when locks are changed, belongings are removed, utilities are shut off, or force is used instead of court process.

Repairs & Conditions

New York Repairs and the Warranty of Habitability

How to document unsafe conditions, notify the landlord, use inspections, and seek repair orders under New York law.

Compliance

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