Court

Court Advocacy

Facing eviction can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. United Tenants of Albany (UTA) provides court advocacy for tenants in eviction proceedings within the City of Albany, City of Troy, and smaller Albany County Courts.

To request this service, call our Housing Hotline at 518-436-8997 x3 and ask for court advocacy. Be sure to bring all relevant documents (lease, court papers, notices, rent receipts, etc.) with you to court.

How We Can Help

UTA’s court advocate is not a lawyer but offers essential support before and during your court appearance. Our advocate can:

  • Help you understand the court process
  • Explain your rights and possible legal defenses
  • Assist in negotiating payment plans or settlements
  • Support you emotionally and help reduce stress
  • Mediate communication between you and your landlord
  • Help you prepare for trial
  • Guide you in filling out important court forms like an Order to Show Cause
  • Explain how to file a Tenant Dignity and Safe Housing Act claim
  • Offer advice on how to respond to retaliatory or illegal actions by your landlord

Important Note

UTA’s court advocate is not an attorney and cannot speak to the judge on your behalf. If you are seeking legal representation, we recommend contacting the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York.

Rental Assistance & Housing Counseling

If you’re at risk of losing your housing, we are here to help. United Tenants of Albany (UTA) provides emergency rental assistance to low-income tenants in Albany County who are facing eviction, experiencing homelessness, or living in unsafe or unstable conditions.

To access our services, call the Housing Hotline at 518-436-8997 x3 or visit our office Monday through Thursday, 10 AM to 12 PM or 1 PM to 3:30 PM at 255 Orange Street, Suite 104, Albany, NY 12210. No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins are welcome.

Who We Can Help

You may be eligible for emergency rental assistance if your household is experiencing any of the following situations:

  • Facing eviction
  • “Doubling-up” or couchsurfing
  • Currently homeless
  • Living in a hotel or outside
  • Being discharged from an institution of care
  • Moved two or more times in the last 60 days due to economic hardship
  • Received notice that your right to occupy your home will soon end
  • Living in severely overcrowded conditions (1.5 people per room or more)
  • Living in a home shut down due to code violations
  • Living in a unit that is in foreclosure
  • Received a utility shut-off notice or had utilities shut off

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for UTA’s rental assistance, your household must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Reside in Albany County
  • Rent must be affordable based on your income
  • Qualify as low income
  • Pay rent that is at or below the Fair Market Rent for the area

If your household income is below 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, you must first apply for assistance through the Department of Social Services (DSS). If DSS approves only partial assistance, UTA may help cover the remaining balance. If DSS denies your application, UTA may still be able to assist.

UTA cannot provide rental assistance if your household has no income. However, if you are starting a job soon, a job offer letter may serve as proof of sustainable income.

Required Documentation

To open a case with UTA, your household must provide the following:

  • Two forms of ID (at least one with a photo) for each adult with income
  • A DSS acceptance or denial letter for emergency rental assistance
    (If your income is above 125 percent of the FPL, UTA can provide you with a waiver)
  • Proof of income for the past 30 days (paystubs, award letters, job offer, etc.)
  • Proof of rent amount (such as a lease or rental agreement)
  • Documentation of the emergency (for example, an eviction or utility shut-off notice)
  • A copy of the lease or rental agreement

What to Expect

After receiving all required documents, our team will:

  1. Review your case
  2. Determine which grants are available to you
  3. Assign a Housing Counselor who will support you through the process

Your counselor will complete a full intake, review your household budget and housing situation, inspect the rental unit if needed, and work with you and your landlord to coordinate payment.

UTA may provide emergency rental assistance once per household in a 12-month period. Maximum payments are typically around $1,000, depending on available funding and the specifics of your case.