The Goddard Riverside Law Project

Who We Are

The Goddard Riverside Law Project was founded in 1981 to provide free legal services and tenant organizing assistance to low-income residents of single room occupancy (SRO) buildings on Manhattan’s West Side. Preservation of SRO housing is essential because it is often the only housing available for some of the most vulnerable members of our society. The project helps tenants solve a wide array of problems, including eviction, rent overcharge, harassment, illegal construction, lack of heat and hot water, and other poor building conditions. Owners often employ these as “emptying tactics” in order to convert their buildings to more profitable luxury, tourist or student use.

How to Get Help

At this time we are offering remote services. Call (212) 799-9638 to speak with an office administrator or intake coordinator who will ask for contact information and some basic information. A staff member will reach out and do a full intake as well as provide advice or other services as necessary.

Who We Serve

Area(s): New York City (all 5 NYC boroughs)

Additional Service Area Info

Tenants living in single room occupancies (SRO) on the West Side of Manhattan from 14th Street to the top of Manhattan and apartment tenants in Manhattan Valley (100-110th Streets between Broadway and Central Park West)

Language(s) Spoken

• French / Français
• Portuguese / Português
• Spanish / Español

Circumstances and languages in which interpreters are provided

Can arrange for interpreters as needed.

Income Guidelines

There are no income eligibility requirements.

Is this organization accessible by wheelchair?: YES

Does this organization provide access for the hearing impaired?: NO

Eligibility Restrictions

We serve tenants of rent stabilized apartments from 100th St. – 116 St. on the WEST SIDE of Manhattan and SRO tenants from West 14th St. to the Top of Manhattan.

Type of Help

This group provides the following types of services based on your legal needs and its resources:

• Full Legal Representation
• Brief Advice
• Pro Se Legal Clinic