Tenants Advocacy Program
Free Legal Services for Tenants in Upstate New York
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Tenants Advocacy

Rochester Eviction Defense

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.
Intake Form

Join the Fight for Housing Justice in Rochester

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.

Learn more about the internship

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