If you receive a nonpayment petition:

You need to answer. There are new COVID-related defenses.

Answers can be filed by:

• calling the housing court in your borough (the number is on the papers). It might take several calls to get through. Keep trying but don’t worry if you cannot get through right away.

• using the NYSCEF e-filing system.

• going in person to the borough housing court. It may take a long time to get inside. You will not be allowed in if you have traveled recently or have COVID symptoms.

Landlords can file new eviction cases but they must use e-filing. Landlords have to serve tenants with copies of the court papers in person.

If you need repairs, you can file a case. All housing court cases are moving very slowly.

• if you have emergency housing conditions you can use JustFix.NYC to file a case.
• If you have been illegally locked out you can also file a case in court. Call our hotline if you need assistance.

Landlords must file a motion in court for permission to evict a tenant on a case that was filed before the pandemic. Tenants will receive a notice of motion and there will be a hearing for the judge to decide if the eviction will go forward. Call our hotline right away if you get papers saying that your case is going to be heard in court.
Call us at 212-962-4795: we can answer questions about evictions and connect you with a lawyer.