Eviction Defense
Are you facing eviction? Do you have serious safety and habitability issues in your home?
It is always best to have a lawyer represent you!
VLPCNY provides free lawyers for tenants in Eviction Court & Petitions to Demand Repairs
- Syracuse City Court: VLPCNY provides lawyers in Syracuse City Court.
- North Country Courts: VLPCNY provide lawyers for court in the following five counties: St. Lawrence, Franklin, Clinton, Essex and Hamilton Counties.
Contact us to see if we are able to help you. Income limits apply.
Call 315-807-0043 to learn more or complete our online intake HERE.
Tenant Rights Legal Clinics
It isn't always possible to get a lawyer for court, and sometimes you have questions you want to ask a lawyer. Come to one of our drop-in legal clinics for free advice, counsel and legal help with filling out petitions. Information below:
Syracuse City Court-Based Legal Clinic
Volunteer attorneys help fill out court documents (like answers and emergency motions to reopen cases) and answer legal questions about tenants’ rights.
Every Tuesday & Thursday from 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Syracuse City Court, Part 1 - Map
505 South State Street, Syracuse
Tenants' Rights Legal Clinic
Questions about leases? Problems with a landlord? Concerns about maintenance?
Drop-in for a FREE Appointment! (Please bring any documents related to the issue.)
Salt City Market - Map
484 South Salina St, Syracuse
The following Wednesdays from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM:
Wednesday, September 24
Wednesday, October 8
Wednesday, October 29
Wednesday, November 12
Wednesday, December 10
Tenant Dignity & Safe Housing Clinic
Tenants with serious habitability issues can come to this clinic and get help filling out a petition to force repairs. (Please bring any documents related to the issue.)
*Check back for future scheduled dates
Complete an intake HERE.
Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY - Map
221 S. Warren Street, Suite 200, Syracuse
Tenant Resources
Who can help pay rent? Click HERE.
Click HERE for other tenant resources.
Representing Yourself?
If you are not able to secure legal assistance before your court date, you can request a 14-day adjournment. Click HERE for a sample answer and some basic defenses that may be available to you.
Contact the VLPCNY Renters' Rights Hotline:
Call 315-807-0043 to learn more.