It is a criminal act for a landlord to willfully allow violations of the state Sanitary Code. If the landlord has not made the necessary repairs within the time period designated by a local health inspector, the Board of Health can file a criminal complaint.

As a tenant, you also have a right to file a criminal complaint. This can be difficult in many courts other than a housing court, but, with persistence, you should be able to do this. See Chapter 8: Getting Repairs Made.

If the owner enters your apartment without your permission, she is guilty of trespass. Conviction on a trespass charge is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and $100.91. For more information, see Chapter 8: Getting Repairs Made - Landlord's Right to Enter Your Home.

It is a criminal act for a landlord to willfully or intentionally interfere with your "quiet enjoyment" of the premises. It is also a criminal act for a landlord to willfully or intentionally fail to furnish water, hot water, heat, light, power, gas, elevator service, telephone service, janitor service, or refrigeration service where the landlord is required by the terms of your tenancy agreement to provide these services. The penalty provisions of the law are a fine of $25 to $300, or up to 6 months in jail.

A landlord is required to provide adequate locks for your individual apartment, as well as locks at the building entrances if you live in a building with more than 3 apartments. Willful failure to provide locks can result in your landlord's being fined up to $500.