New York City Creates Right to Counsel for Low Income Renters Facing Eviction

The legislation, passed on August 11, 2017, is the first of its kind in the United States. While the U.S. recognizes a right to counsel for criminal defendants, such a right has never been guaranteed to defendants in civil court – including eviction proceedings. The law is to be phased in by zip code over the next five years, with full coverage by 2022.

The legislation is the product of a three-year campaign coordinated by the Right to Council NYC Coalition.