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NYC Housing Court Glossary

RPAPL

Plain EnglishThe New York law that governs how evictions work

Legal Definition

Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law. The statute that sets the rules for how eviction cases are filed, served, and decided.

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Practical Tip

Many tenant defenses are based on landlord violations of RPAPL — particularly RPAPL 735 (service of process) and RPAPL 711 (grounds for eviction).

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Related Terms
Res Judicata →Right to Counsel →Stipulation →Succession Rights →

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