NYC Housing Court
Is your landlord saying you owe rent? Have you received papers from Housing Court?
These kind of cases are called "non-payment" cases. This webpage has resources to help you TAKE ACTION and tell the Court your side of the story!
TIP! If you're not sure what type of housing case you have, click on the Live Help button below to chat with someone. It's free!
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Court Forms
Click on the links below to access our free and easy to use" do it yourself" program. This program will help guide you step by step and prepare the following Court forms for your non-payment case:
► Non-Payment Answer
►Vacate a Default Judgment
► Restore Case to Calendar
Popular Resources
► Step By Step Interactive Timeline
► 12 Things You Should Know About Housing Court
► Your Day in Housing Court
►Settlement and Stipulation Checklists
► New York City Tenant's Q & A Guide
► New York City Housing Court website
► Glossary of Key Legal Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question you don't see here? Click on the LiveHelp button above to speak to a live operator for free! You can also explore our Find Help section.
- Can I Get Help Paying Overdue Rent?
- My landlord is trying to evict me but I never received any court papers! What do I do?
- I just received court papers about unpaid rent - how do I respond?
- I missed my court date! Now what?
- What should I expect at Housing Court?
- I'm nervous about my first time at Housing Court! Is there a video I can watch that will show me what will happen?
First Steps
A non-payment case is where a landlord or owner takes a tenant to Housing Court for not paying rent. Landlords are supposed to take certain steps before starting a non-payment case, such as providing a "Rent Demand". If your landlord is asking for unpaid rent and you are unsure whether s/he has started a case against you, visit:
►Rent Demand Basics
It is important to understand the steps of a non-payment case. Explore our interactive timeline to identify where you are on the timeline, learn what's ahead and answers to frequently asked questions:
►Step by Step Interactive Timeline
Your Day in Court
Don't go to Housing Court unprepared! Click on the links below to know what to expect at Housing Court, and our top tips to help you prepare.
► Your Day in Housing Court
► Tenant Document Checklist
► 12 Things You Should Know About Housing Court
► Top Ten Mistakes Tenants Make in Housing Court
Settling Your Case
Settling or resolving your case can be one of the most important steps of your housing case. Before signing any agreement with the landlord, read it carefully and make sure you understand. You have the right to ask a court lawyer or the judge to explain it to you. The resources here will help you prepare for the settlement process and understand your rights.
►Settlement and Stipulation Checklist
►Information Sheet on Stipulations
►A Tenant's Guide to Negotiating with Your Landlord
Tenant Rights
Depending on your type of housing and your particular circumstances you may have a number of different rights as a tenant in NYC. The resources below provide an overview of common issues.
► ABC's of Housing
► Housing Discrimination
► Tenant Harassment
Find Help
You don't have to deal with a housing court problem on your own. Finding free and confidential legal help can be as easy as a click or phone call away.
►Search for free legal help in your area - just enter your zipcode and select your housing issue.
► Hotlines - learn which confidential hotlines are available to help you with your housing issue.
► Help Available at Housing Court - who can help answer your questions in Housing Court?
Eviction
Non-payment proceedings and holdover proceedings in housing court can lead to eviction. if you have received a notice of eviction - you must TAKE ACTION. The resources below may help you, but don't forget that help is just a click or phone call away.
► Know Your Rights - Before and After Eviction
► Eviction Notice From A Marshal
► Illegal Evictions / Illegal Lockouts
Help With Rent
There may be options to help you if you can't pay overdue rent, and especially if you are facing eviction. Click on the links below to learn more.
► One Shot Deals
► Family Eviction Prevention Subsidy
► If You Just Can't Afford the Rent
► How Can People with Disabilities Stop Rent Increases?
► How Can Seniors Stop Rent Increases?
More NYC Housing Resources
- Security Deposits FAQs
- Do I need a Guardian Ad Litem?
- Holdover Proceedings and Private Dwellings
- How Do I Get Repairs from My Landlord?
- Tenant Screening Reports
View More Housing Resources
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For more information about Housing Court, go to the NYC Housing Court website.
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