Ms. Qi presented with Ada Wong (Right) from Councilwoman Susan Zhuang’s Office.
On April 20, 2025, Zixian Qi, a founding partner at Alpha Law LLP, was invited by New York City Councilwoman Susan Zhuang to speak at a Brooklyn community gathering focused on housing rights and landlord-tenant law. The event brought together residents, community leaders, and legal professionals from the Brooklyn Chinese community and was sponsored by the Zhanjiang Association of America.
The gathering reflected a growing demand for accessible legal education in communities where language barriers can make navigating New York’s housing system particularly difficult. Qi’s presentation was delivered in Mandarin and addressed issues that affect both tenants and property owners across New York City.
What Qi Covered
Practical Rights and Remedies
Qi opened with an overview of the practical legal knowledge tenants and landlords need when a housing dispute arises — from documenting habitability conditions to understanding how Housing Court proceedings are initiated and what to expect once a case is filed. She emphasized that many disputes can be resolved early, but only when both sides understand their rights before matters escalate.
Housing Court Across New York City’s Five Boroughs
Qi addressed recent developments in Housing Courts across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Each borough’s Housing Court has its own procedural rhythms, and Qi highlighted key practical differences that residents and property owners should be aware of — including how courts have been managing post-pandemic case backlogs and what that means for timelines in nonpayment, holdover, and repair proceedings.
The Good Cause Eviction Law
A significant portion of Qi’s remarks focused on the Good Cause Eviction Law, enacted in New York in April 2024. This law significantly expanded tenant protections in New York City by restricting a landlord’s ability to terminate a tenancy or refuse a lease renewal without “good cause” — and by capping permissible rent increases in many circumstances.
Qi explained who is covered under the law, which buildings are exempt, what constitutes good cause for eviction under the statute, and how property owners and tenants alike should adjust their approach to housing matters in light of the new legal landscape.
Community Outreach as Legal Education
Councilwoman Zhuang’s office has made accessible legal education a priority for Brooklyn’s Chinese community, and Alpha Law’s participation reflects the firm’s broader commitment to ensuring that community members have the resources they need to navigate New York’s legal system — regardless of language. Alpha Law provides landlord-tenant representation and consultation, with offices in Flushing, Manhattan, and Garden City.
The event was well-received, with strong community interest in the topics Qi addressed — a reflection of just how actively housing law is affecting New York City residents today.
Questions About Your Housing Situation?
Whether you are a tenant navigating a lease dispute, a property owner facing a housing court proceeding, or a buyer considering a multifamily investment, Alpha Law’s landlord-tenant attorneys can help. Contact us to schedule a consultation in Chinese or English.
