Considering the fear our immigrant communities feel in light of recent ICE raids and continued harmful rhetoric from the federal administration, it’s important to know that New Yorkers have rights as renters regardless of immigration status. Allison Yurick, Senior Supervising Attorney in NYLAG’s Tenants’ Rights Unit, spoke with Brick Underground to explain:
It’s illegal for a New York City landlord to discriminate against a renter or tenant based on their immigration status. But given the recent high-profile arrests of immigrants, it’s more important than ever to understand your rights whether you’re looking for an apartment or already living in a NYC rental.
“It is a scary time,” said Allison Yurcik, senior supervising attorney for the New York Legal Assistance Group. “But there are rights that protect people with various immigration statuses.”
Undocumented New Yorkers have the same rights as any other NYC tenant, Yurcik said. That includes protections from discrimination and harassment, a right to a legal eviction process, and a right to the protections of rent stabilization—if you live in a stabilized apartment.
“Your rights as a renter aren’t affected by your immigration status,” Yurcik added.
Enforcing those rights isn’t easy. Raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and Queens have frightened undocumented residents, ABC7 reported. Some schools saw a drop in attendance this week as arrests made headlines, amNY reported.
But it’s crucial to understand your rights so you don’t give them up prematurely, Yurick said.
Read the full article for more information, including a great Know Your Rights resource, in Brick Underground from January 31, 2025.
