NYC Housing Court Guide
NYC Housing Court:
A Complete Guide for Tenants.
NYC Housing Court handles hundreds of thousands of cases each year. Most are eviction cases filed by landlords. If you've been served with court papers — or want to force your landlord to fix your apartment — this is where it happens.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always verify your situation with a licensed attorney or official NYC resources.
What Is NYC Housing Court?
NYC Housing Court is a specialized court within the New York City Civil Court system. It was created specifically to handle disputes between landlords and tenants — and it operates in all five boroughs.
The court handles two main categories of cases:
- Summary proceedings — eviction cases filed by landlords (nonpayment and holdover)
- HP Actions — cases filed by tenants to force landlords to make repairs or correct violations
Housing Court Locations in NYC
Manhattan
111 Centre Street, Room 502, New York, NY 10013
Brooklyn
141 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Bronx
1118 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10456
Queens
89-17 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11435
Staten Island
927 Castleton Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310
Types of Cases in Housing Court
Nonpayment Proceedings
Filed by a landlord claiming a tenant owes unpaid rent. The landlord must first serve a 14-Day Notice to Pay before filing. These cases can often be resolved with a payment plan or by paying what's owed. Tenants can raise defenses including apartment conditions and improper notice.
Holdover Proceedings
Filed by a landlord seeking to remove a tenant entirely — because the lease ended, there was an uncured violation, or the tenant is alleged to have no right to remain. These are more complex and require stronger defenses. Rent-stabilized tenants have significant protections.
HP Actions (Tenant-Initiated)
You can file an HP Action to force your landlord to fix conditions: lack of heat, mold, leaks, pests, broken appliances, or any hazardous conditions. HP Actions are free to file, and you don't need a lawyer. The court can order repairs and issue fines against your landlord.
What to Expect on Your Court Date
- Arrive early — courts open around 9 AM. Go to the tenant help center or Housing Court Assistance Center before your hearing for free guidance.
- Find your courtroom (part) — your court papers will list your "part" number. Check in with the court officer when you arrive.
- Calendar call — the judge or court attorney calls your case. This is usually brief. You can ask for an adjournment (more time) to prepare or find a lawyer.
- Settlement discussions — many cases settle through a written stipulation. Don't sign anything you don't understand. Ask the help center to review it first.
- Trial (if needed) — if no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to a trial before a judge. Both sides present evidence and arguments.
Free Resources at the Courthouse
- Housing Court Assistance Center (HCAC) — free legal information at every borough courthouse. Visit before your hearing.
- Right to Counsel — if your income qualifies, NYC may provide you with a free attorney in eviction cases. Ask about eligibility at the courthouse.
- Legal Aid Society and Legal Services NYC — provide free legal representation to low-income tenants.
- Court interpreters — available at no cost. Request one when you check in if you need assistance in another language.
How an Eviction Case Moves Through Housing Court
- Landlord serves a written notice (14-Day Notice to Pay, Notice to Cure, or Notice of Termination)
- Landlord files a petition in Housing Court
- Tenant is served with a petition and notice of petition (court papers)
- Initial court appearance — both sides appear before a judge or court attorney
- Case is adjourned, settled, or proceeds to trial
- Judgment is entered (for landlord or tenant)
- If landlord wins, they apply for a warrant of eviction
- Marshal posts 72-hour notice and carries out eviction
Tenant Rights in Housing Court
- The right to a hearing before any eviction
- The right to raise defenses (nonpayment, conditions, improper notice)
- The right to file counterclaims against your landlord
- The right to request an adjournment to prepare
- The right to a free interpreter
- The right to a free lawyer if you qualify under Right to Counsel
- The right to appeal a judgment you disagree with
Have a Housing Court date coming up and need to understand your case?
Prepare with TENANT — it's free →Frequently Asked Questions
What is NYC Housing Court?
It's a specialized court that handles landlord-tenant disputes in all five NYC boroughs. Most cases are eviction proceedings filed by landlords, but tenants can also file HP Actions to force landlords to make repairs.
Where is Housing Court in my borough?
Manhattan: 111 Centre St. Brooklyn: 141 Livingston St. Bronx: 1118 Grand Concourse. Queens: 89-17 Sutphin Blvd. Staten Island: 927 Castleton Ave. Each has a free tenant help center.
Do I need a lawyer in Housing Court?
No — you can represent yourself. But legal help matters. NYC's Right to Counsel program may provide a free attorney if you qualify by income. Free help is also available at the courthouse's tenant help center.
What is an HP Action?
An HP Action is a case you file as a tenant to force your landlord to fix conditions. It's free, doesn't require a lawyer, and can result in court-ordered repairs and fines against your landlord.
What should I bring to Housing Court?
Your court papers, photo ID, lease, rent receipts, proof of payments, any photos of apartment conditions, and copies of communications with your landlord. Bring everything organized and in writing.