Rent abatement can be a critical legal remedy for tenants in New York City facing unlivable conditions. If your apartment lacks essential services such as heat, hot water, or electricity or if it’s plagued by mold, pests, or structural issues you may be eligible for a rent abatement. This means a reduction or suspension of rent, reflecting the diminished value or usability of your unit. New York law requires landlords to maintain a habitable environment. When they fail to do so, tenants have rights and rent abatement is one of the most effective tools for asserting those rights. Whether your landlord refuses to make necessary repairs or delays addressing dangerous conditions, pursuing rent abatement may be the right legal step.