New York Real Property Law Section 768, added by the 2019 HSTPA, makes unlawful eviction or tenant harassment a Class A misdemeanor statewide, including Suffolk County. Landlords cannot use force, lockouts, utility shutoffs, or repeated intimidation to push tenants out.
RPL Section 768 criminalizes any landlord conduct intended to force a tenant to vacate without a court warrant. Prohibited acts include changing locks, removing doors or windows, terminating utilities, removing personal property, or engaging in repeated acts that substantially interfere with the tenant comfort, repose, peace, or quiet enjoyment. The law applies to all Suffolk County rental units and treats each violation as a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. Tenants may also sue civilly for treble damages, attorney fees, and injunctive relief. Suffolk County District Attorney has prosecuted several Hamptons-area landlords under the statute since 2020.
Lockouts, utility shutoffs, removing windows or doors, or harassment intended to force tenant departure are Class A misdemeanors. Civil actions can recover treble damages and attorney fees.
See how Huntington's tenant anti-harassment rules stack up against other locations.
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