The New York City Housing Authority is the largest landlord in the city. Like any landlord, it must keep its buildings reasonably safe. Too often it does not.
Residents and visitors hurt by dangerous conditions in NYCHA buildings have the right to bring a claim. The deadlines are short.
Conditions That Injure Residents
- Broken stairs, missing handrails, and dark stairwells
- Leaks, wet hallways, and falling ceilings
- Broken elevators
- Broken entrance doors and locks that let intruders in
- Scalding water and heating failures
- Uncleared snow and ice on walkways
The 90-Day Rule
NYCHA is a public authority. A written notice of claim is generally due within 90 days of the accident, and the lawsuit generally must be filed within one year and 90 days. NYCHA can also require you to answer questions under oath before suit.
Proving NYCHA Knew
NYCHA keeps records. Repair tickets, work orders, inspection reports, and prior complaints can show the problem was reported long before you were hurt. We demand those records.
If you complained about the condition before the accident, save your ticket numbers, texts, photos, and any letters.
What You Can Recover
- Medical bills, past and future
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- In death cases, the financial losses to the family
Common Questions
Can NYCHA evict me for bringing a claim?
Bringing an injury claim is your legal right. Talk to us if you are worried about retaliation.
I was visiting someone in the building. Can I bring a claim?
Yes. The duty to keep the building safe extends to lawful visitors, not only tenants.
Someone attacked me in the building after the lobby door was broken for months. Is NYCHA responsible?
It may be. A landlord can be responsible when it ignores broken locks or doors and an intruder gets in as a result.
Talk to a Lawyer Today
The consultation is free. There is no fee unless we win, and we advance the costs of the case. You speak with your attorney directly, not a call center.