Programs » Housing Defense Project

Housing Services Available

• Full Representation
• Advice Only Consultations
• Clinics
• Targeted Referrals

Project Description and Need

At NDS one of the most important services we now provide is legal representation, consultation and advice in housing cases for clients and their families, and we do so through an Equal Justice Works Fellowship sponsored by Goldman Sachs and Sullivan & Cromwell.

In New York, tenants are fighting eviction proceedings every day because the tenant, a family member, or guest is the subject of a criminal case. There are few collateral consequences more tragic than the needless eviction of an entire family whose involvement in the criminal matter was non-existent. Indeed such consequences are unfair, unreasonable, and undeserved.

Due to contractual limitations baring legal services providers from taking cases involving a criminally accused tenant, overwhelming legal services caseloads, and the complex, costly, and time-consuming nature of such cases, NDS is frequently the only office where such individuals can hope to find representation. And representation matters. Startlingly, 85% of unrepresented tenants are reportedly evicted; while, as many as 90% of represented tenants in New York Housing Court avoid eviction.

Through comprehensive litigation (representing tenants at the Harlem Community Justice Center, Manhattan Housing Court, and in NYCHA proceedings), through direct negotiation (arriving at creative and sensible solutions through discussions with landlords), and through community education events, the NDS Housing Defense Project provides an increasing number of NDS clients with specialized and high-quality housing legal services.

Referrals and Intake

If you or a family you know is in need of housing representation, please contact us as soon as possible for advice or an intake session with Gina Clayton,  NDS Housing Attorney and Equal Justice Works Fellow.

Please note the following cases are given priority for full representation:

• Women with families living in Harlem public or subsidized housing.
• Current or former clients of the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem.
• Housing court or NYCHA cases resulting from the alleged criminal activity of a household member or guest.

 For Appointments: (212) 876-5500

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