Hello! I'm your AI assistant, Teny. Ask me about tenants' rights in upstate New York!
User Agreement
PURPOSE: I understand that Teny 2.0 is a tool powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that answers each question asked about the Tenants’ Rights Guide in a question-and-answer (Q&A) format. It is designed to help residential tenants in upstate New York learn their rights in a more digestible manner. A response can generally explain tenants’ rights, legal concepts and terminology, as well as standard procedures in landlord-tenant law. This information may not apply to tenants in New York City or Long Island. Unlike other AI tools, it is not conversational and cannot respond based on a question I asked previously.
SOURCE: I understand that this tool does not source from random unvetted information across the internet. All information provided is based solely on the Tenants’ Rights Guide, which is updated every academic semester by the Cornell Law School Tenants Advocacy Program. It was last updated in September 2025.
LIMITS OF AI: Responses are stored and reviewed by the Cornell Law School Tenants Advocacy Program for accuracy, but each individual response may not be immediately reviewed by an attorney. Some responses may be wrong and/or incomplete, so I agree to independently verify all responses. I will assume any risk of inaccuracy.
NO LEGAL ADVICE: I understand that the responses provided are for general informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice. This tool is not a real lawyer advising me. It does not replace a real lawyer, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Responses may not apply to my specific situation. I agree not to solicit legal advice from the tool. For specific legal advice, I will call the Cornell Law School Tenants Advocacy Program Hotline at 607-301-1560. If I am an Ithaca tenant in a legal emergency, I will call LawNY at (607) 273-3667.
PRIVACY: To protect my security, I will not share any confidential or personal identifiable information. The privacy policy is available here for more information.
In 2024, TAP joined the Monroe County Tenant Defense Project (TDP) alongside legal aid partners JustCause, Empire Justice Center, Legal Aid Society of Rochester (LASROC), and Legal Assistance of Western New York (LawNY). Facilitated by JustCause, this legal coalition works together to represent or advise tenants in active eviction cases throughout Monroe County, primarily in Rochester City Court.
What We Do The Rochester Eviction Defense Project:
Represents residential tenants in eviction proceedings
Provides free legal advice and full-scope representation
Works closely with community organizations and housing advocates
Tracks patterns in eviction filings and housing court decisions
Advocates for systemic change in housing policy and tenant protections
Tenants are often up against well-resourced landlords and unfamiliar legal systems. Our project helps balance the scales—one case at a time.
Where We Work All legal services are provided in:
Rochester Housing Court (Monroe County)
With occasional remote services or casework depending on client need
Services are coordinated with housing partners when appropriate
We meet clients where they are—virtually or in person
Services vary by capacity and case urgency
Our reach continues to expand as community needs grow.
Are you facing eviction in Monroe County? Call TDP at (585) 504-6195 or apply for legal help below.
TAP offers a full-time, 8-week summer internship for law students to gain hands-on eviction defense experience.
Interns gain hands-on eviction defense experience under a student practice order, providing legal services to tenants facing eviction. Responsibilities include client interviews, drafting court filings, managing casework, and weekly appearances in Rochester Housing Court. Interns also collaborate with legal aid partners and community advocates. Training is provided in landlord-tenant law, client advocacy, ethics, and housing justice. Interns follow a hybrid model of remote work and in-person court appearances. The position offers $25 per hour. Up to $5000 in additional funding is available through Equal Justice America’s summer fellowship grant. Travel expenses are reimbursed.
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