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I’m was recently offered a rent-stabilized unit through Housing Connect lottery. I’m low-income, this is a life-changing opportunity. Per NY policy I am required to surrender my current apartment before movin in.

The issue is that I’m on a co-tenancy lease. My landlord is fine with me leaving and find a replacement person, but the other co-tenant is refusing to sign the release forms. She has poor credit and an ongoing dispute with the landlord; she’s essentially blocking my exit as “leverage” for her own situation, fearing her housing is at risk if the lease structure changes.

She’s essentially holding my signature “hostage” to gain leverage in her own dispute.

I might have tried every possible solution I could think about, even did some showing, and found a couple candidates with 800+ credit scores who are ready to get on board asap. Still, my co-tenant refused to meet or even talk with these candidates.

Has anyone dealt with a “hostile” co-tenant situation specifically while trying to finalize an affordable housing offer?

Are there specific NYC tenant protections for people in this situation? Did you have to involve a lawyer, or did the housing agency provide any flexibility once you explained the roommate was blocking the process?

I really don’t want to lose this unit over a dispute that has nothing to do with me. Any advice is appreciated.