What happens in court if I sue my tenant?

What happens if the tenant does not appear in court?

If the tenant does not appear in court, you can ask the judge for a default judgment. You will need to show that you followed the proper service procedures. You will also...

What documents will I need in court?

You'll need to bring a number of documents to court.

What happens if I can’t make an agreement with my tenant?

If you cannot reach an agreement, you can ask the judge or the judge’s’ court attorney to help you reach an agreement. If you still cannot get an agreement, the judge will...

What happens if I agree to a stipulation with my tenant?

If you and the tenant, or occupant, work out an agreement to settle the case, the agreement will be written up as a stipulation. Before signing the agreement, make sure that you...

What happens if my tenant doesn’t come to court?

In a nonpayment case, if the tenant did not answer the petition, the court will not schedule a hearing. You can request a default judgment 10 days after you serve the petition...

How do I file a case against my tenant in court?

You can visit the Housing Court’s Help Center and speak to one of the court lawyers about the proceeding you would like to start. The court provides owners with a free booklet...

Why do I need to take my tenant to Housing Court?

If you are unable to resolve a dispute with your tenant, you may need to start a case in Housing Court. Landlords can bring two types of cases in Housing Court. A...

What kind of case should I start against my tenant?

In a nonpayment case, you are suing the tenant for rent that you claim was not paid. You are asking the court to order the tenant to pay, or if the tenant...

How do I start an eviction case?

Most eviction cases require that you first give the tenant or occupant a notice either asking for the rent or warning of an upcoming eviction case in court. In a nonpayment case,...

What will happen on my first court date?

Be sure to get to court on time. You will need to pass through a security gate which can have long lines, especially in the mornings. Cases are first assigned to a...