New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued guidance to navigating tenant issues related to the coronavirus.

New York residents are under an order by the state to remain in their homes. Beginning March 20, all evictions across New York State were suspended until June 19, and the courts are not accepting any new eviction or foreclosure cases. “Threats of eviction are not only illegal, but also damaging to the well-being of New Yorkers,” a news release from the AG said.

James offers the following highlights for the rights of tenants during the COVID-19 crisis in New York State:

• In New York State, no county sheriff, city marshal, or city constable may currently perform an eviction, even if there is an existing warrant.

If a New York State Sheriff attempts to evict you, you should contact the Sheriff’s office and then your local County office’s general number to report a violation of the Governor’s Executive Order.

If a Landlord locks you out or tries to evict you, also known as “self-help evictions," which are unlawful in New York State, you should call 911 and show the police officer identification, lease, or public utility bill with your name and address. If you are unable to get back into your apartment, you should contact the Court system at (833) 503-0447 to find your closest emergency court.

• Landlords cannot participate in “rent gouging,” by increasing rent in order to capitalize on the crisis.

If you have a current lease, your landlord cannot increase your rent until it expires.

• Landlords cannot withhold essential services over failure to pay rent.

A landlord’s failure to provide essential services such as hot water or electricity is a breach of the warranty of habitability.

Call your local Code Enforcement office to complain about a loss of essential services such as heat and hot water or other bad conditions.

• Landlords cannot discriminate against or evict a tenant because the tenant, or someone the tenant lives with, has contracted or had COVID-19, or the landlord thinks that the tenant has or had COVID-19.

If you have questions or believe you have been a victim of harassment or discrimination of this kind, contact the OAG Civil Rights Bureau by emailing civil.rights@ag.ny.gov or calling 800-771-7755.

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