NYC Housing Court Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I have to do anything (“rent demand”) before I start a case to get the rent money owed?

See Starting a Nonpayment Case: The Demand for Rent.

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Do I have to give the tenant anything (“notices”) before I start the case for a different reason than nonpayment of rent?

See Starting a Holdover Case: Predicate Notices.

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Does the judge have any rules I need to know in the courtroom?

See Judges.

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How can I listen to, or get a written copy of, what happened in court?

See Appeals: Obtaining the Transcript of Trial.

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How can I make my roommate move?

See Starting a Roommate Holdover Case.

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How do I find a list of New York City Marshals?

See the NYC Marshals List | nyc.gov.

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How do I find phone numbers, addresses, directions or court hours?

For addresses, directions and hours: Find your court on the NYC Civil Courts by County page.

For phone numbers: Find your court on the Court Directory.

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How do I get a Non-Military affidavit?

See Judgments in Nonpayment Cases: Non-Military Affidavit.

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How do I get into the apartment if the tenant won’t let me in to inspect or make repairs?

See Emergency Access and Repairs: Landlords.

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How much does it cost to start my case?

See Housing Court Fees.

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If my tenant invited someone to live in the premises and my tenant moved out, how do I evict that person (licensee)?

See the Small Property Owner Licensee Holdover Petition DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Program.

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What do I do if I can’t afford to pay the fees charged by the court (“poor person’s relief”)?

See Applications to Waive Court Fees.

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What do I do if I can’t make my court date?

See Adjournments.

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What do I do if I know that records or documents can prove my case, but I don’t have them?

See Subpoenas.

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What do I do if I missed my court appearance (“defaulted”)?

See Vacating a Default Judgment.

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What do I do if I never got a copy of any court papers (“notice of petition and petition”) from my landlord before this case started?

See Answering a Case: Traverse Hearing.

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What do I do if I think the judge made a mistake in my case?

See Appeals.

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What do I do if I want someone (“witness”) to come to my trial to tell the judge important information, but they refuse?

See Subpoenas.

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What do I do if my landlord changed the locks without bringing me to court?

See Illegal Lock-Outs.

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What do I do if my tenant or the City of New York brings me to court to do repairs?

See Appearing on an HP Case: Tenant Initiated Action.

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What do I do if things are broken in my apartment, or don’t work, and I want the judge to know about them (“inspection”)?

See Answering a Case: Inspection Request.

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What reasons (“defenses”) can I give the court for not paying my rent?

See Fact Sheets.

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Where can I get free help?

See Representing Yourself in NYC Housing Court.

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New York City Housing Court NYC Housing Court Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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