New York City, NY – The Public Engagement Unit’s (PEU) Tenant Support Unit (TSU) has been diligently providing assistance to New Yorkers who may be experiencing landlord harassment, are at risk of displacement, or need to make home-related repairs. Tenant Support Specialists conduct proactive outreach in all five NYC boroughs, connecting tenants with city programs, legal assistance, and community resources.
The TSU’s outreach includes door knocking, phone and text banking, hosting office hours with elected officials and community organizations, and tabling with partners, such as farmers markets and libraries, at community events. New Yorkers can also reach out to the TSU team directly for support through its Tenant Helpline.
To further aid those in need, the TSU offers a Tenant Resource Portal, information on Tenant Rights and the Right to Counsel, Rent Freeze assistance, and Homeowner Tax Exemptions. The unit specifically caters to seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities through the Senior Citizen Homeowner Exemption (SCHE) and Disabled Homeowners Exemption (DHE) programs. These programs aim to help reduce homeowner taxes and provide essential support for eligible citizens.
In the field, the TSU engages in outreach and forms partnerships with communities, providing legal services to helpline callers, helping with rent freezes, and assisting clients in obtaining ERAP during the pandemic. The TSU also addresses frequently asked questions related to rental assistance, immigration status, rent freeze programs, rent stabilization, and programs available for property owners.
For more information on tenant rights and the Right to Counsel, New Yorkers can call 311 and ask for the “Tenant Helpline.” They will be able to leave a message for a specialist who will call them back within 24-48 hours. The Tenant Support Unit remains committed to providing valuable assistance to New Yorkers in need, helping to ensure that all citizens have access to a safe and stable living environment.
You can also visit https://www.nyc.gov/site/mayorspeu/programs/tenant-support-unit.page?question=homeowner-tax-exemption to reach them out
