Is Mediation Available for Landlord-Tenant Disputes in New York City?

Yes. New York City has several mediation resources for landlord-tenant disputes. The New York City Housing Court operates the Housing Court Answers program and refers cases to the Center for Court Innovation's mediation programs in several boroughs. The Office of Civil Justice (OCJ) funds free legal services and mediation for tenants facing eviction in Housing Court. The Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) — including the Bronx Mediation Center, Brooklyn Mediation Center, Manhattan Mediation Center, Queens Mediation Center, and Staten Island Mediation Center — provide free mediation for residential landlord-tenant disputes before or after court filing. In 2019, New York City enacted the Right to Counsel law (Local Law 136), which provides free legal representation to low-income tenants in Housing Court — tenants with counsel are often better positioned to negotiate settlements in mediation. Common issues mediated include nonpayment of rent, lease renewal disputes, repairs and habitability complaints, illegal lockouts, and succession rights. Outside New York City, CDRCs in each county provide similar services. Mediation is particularly valuable in Housing Court because the backlog of cases means trials may be scheduled months away, while a mediated agreement can be reached the same day.