Your Right to Call 911 Without Being Evicted

In the past, landlords have attempted to evict their tenants because the tenants called 911. New York law protects the right of individuals to call for police or emergency assistance, and that means survivors of domestic abuse and other individuals in need of emergency assistance can call 911 without the threat of eviction. Landlords, property owners, and municipalities are prohibited from restricting or limiting your right to call 911 when you need emergency assistance.

As a tenant or resident, you have the right to call the police when you need emergency assistance. Local governments, landlords, and property owners are prohibited from limiting your right to call 911 when you need emergency assistance. This means that you cannot be evicted or penalized for calling 911 whenever you need emergency assistance so long as you are not breaking the law or violating the terms of your lease. In addition, landlords cannot prohibit a tenant or resident from calling emergency assistance in their lease agreement or otherwise.

This KYR is not a replacement for legal advice.