You need to answer. There are new COVID-related defenses.
Answers can be filed by 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.
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.