What should I do when I receive the petition?

You have 10 days to answer in Housing Court from the date your petition was served.

Tell the clerk your reasons or defenses why you do not owe or did not pay the rent.

The clerk will write your defenses on a form and give you a copy. Make sure all of your defenses are marked before you leave the window.

This form will have the date, time, and room number of your court date.

The court date is usually a week later.