The manhattan housing court is where eviction cases, repair cases, and other landlord-tenant fights in Manhattan are heard. If you got court papers, the most important thing is not to miss your answer deadline or your court date at manhattan housing court. Missing either one can let your landlord win without you ever telling your side.
Manhattan Housing Court: Location, Hours, and Case Lookup
Housing Court is part of the New York City Civil Court. In Manhattan, it is officially called the New York County branch. Most tenants go to the main courthouse at 111 Centre Street in lower Manhattan. However, some cases from parts of northern Manhattan may be sent to the Harlem Community Justice Center. Always check the address printed on your own papers. Your papers are the final word on where to go.
To find your case at manhattan housing court, you need your index number. It is usually printed at the top of your petition. In most cases, you can search the court’s online eCourts system by index number or by party name. You can also call or visit the clerk’s office. The official New York City Housing Court page and the NYC Civil Court directory list current contact details.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Main address | 111 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013 |
| Landlord-Tenant general information phone | 646-386-5750 |
| Landlord-Tenant Clerk’s Office | Room 225 (phone 646-386-5500) |
| Office hours | Landlord-Tenant offices open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, per the court directory. Confirm before you go, since hours can change. |
| Help Center hours | Confirm with the court directory or the clerk. Help Center hours are shorter than clerk hours. |
| Case lookup | eCourts search by index number or name, or ask at the clerk’s office |
| Forms | Answer forms and other free forms are available from the clerk and the Help Center |
Your Deadlines After You Are Served
Your deadline depends on the type of case. A nonpayment case means your landlord says you owe rent. A holdover case means your landlord wants you out for another reason. For example, they may say your lease ended or you broke a rule. New York’s Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law sets different answer rules for each type.
In most cases, your papers will say exactly when and how to respond. Read the whole petition and notice carefully. If you are not sure of your deadline, call the Landlord-Tenant Clerk’s Office at manhattan housing court. Ask them to confirm your answer date and your court date. Write both down.
If you miss your deadline, the court may enter a “default.” That means the judge can rule for your landlord without hearing from you. As a result, an eviction order could follow. At manhattan housing court, you may be able to ask the judge to undo a default. However, you have to act fast, and it is never guaranteed.
What Happens on Your Court Date at Manhattan Housing Court
Arrive early. Bring a photo ID, your court papers, your lease, and rent receipts. Also bring photos of repair problems and any texts or letters from your landlord. Expect a security line at the door. Once inside, find your courtroom (called a “Part”) and check in with the court officer or clerk.
Typically, the first court date at manhattan housing court is not a trial. Instead, many cases are talked through between the two sides. Your landlord’s lawyer may ask you to sign a settlement, called a “stipulation.” Do not sign anything you do not understand. You can ask the judge to review it with you. You can also ask for more time to get a lawyer.
If the case does not settle, the judge may hold a hearing or set a trial date. If the landlord wins, the judge may issue a judgment and a warrant of eviction. However, a city marshal must give you written notice before any eviction. Deadlines to pay, ask for a stay, or appeal are short. Ask the clerk or a lawyer for the exact dates that apply to you at manhattan housing court.
Free Help in This Courthouse
You do not have to do this alone. The manhattan housing court building has a Help Center for people without lawyers. Staff there can explain forms and court steps. They cannot give legal advice or take your side. However, they can help you fill out an answer and understand what comes next.
New York City also has a right-to-counsel program for tenants facing eviction in Housing Court. Many tenants who qualify by income can get a free lawyer. Ask the judge or court staff on your first date to connect you with the legal-aid provider in the building. In most cases, asking early gives your lawyer more time to help.
If English is not your first language, you have the right to a free court interpreter. The court directory lists interpreter services, including Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, and French. Tell the clerk or court officer as soon as you arrive. For example, you can say, “I need an interpreter,” and name your language. The court should not make you rely on your landlord’s lawyer or a family member to translate.
📨 Get Free Tenant Rights Guides Alerts
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is manhattan housing court?
The main courthouse is at 111 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013. However, some northern Manhattan cases may be heard at the Harlem Community Justice Center. Always follow the address on your own papers.
What if I cannot make my court date?
Call the Landlord-Tenant Clerk’s Office right away, before the date. Missing court can lead to a default judgment against you. If an emergency made you miss it, contact a legal-aid office quickly about asking the court to reopen your case.
Can I get a free lawyer at manhattan housing court?
Many tenants can, through New York City’s right-to-counsel program. Eligibility depends on income and the type of case. Ask the judge or court staff on your first date, or contact a local legal-aid office.
Protect your stuff while you sort this out
A landlord’s insurance does not cover your belongings — renters insurance does, often for a few dollars a month. Compare options before your next move.
Find Your State’s Exact Rules
Notice periods, deposit caps, and the eviction timeline all change from state to state. Pick your state to see the exact days, dollar limits, and steps that apply where you live.
See Tenant Rights in All 50 States →
Sources & How to Verify
The rules on this page are drawn from official government and legal-aid sources. Tenant law changes, so always confirm the exact rule with your state’s statute or a local legal-aid office.
- HUD: hud.gov — federal renter protections and fair housing
- Legal Services Corporation: lsc.gov — find free legal aid in your state
- Cornell Legal Information Institute: law.cornell.edu/wex — plain-English legal definitions
- Your state statute & court self-help portal: search “[your state] landlord tenant act” and “[your state] court self-help eviction” for the exact law and forms
Content last reviewed September 2026. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
New York Renter Guides
- New York Eviction Process
- New York Tenant Rights
- New York Security Deposit Law
- New York Rent Increase Laws
- New York Repairs and Habitability
- Breaking a Lease in New York
Related Guides
- Tenant Rights by State (50-State Guide)
- More in This Category
- Tenant Scenarios — What to Do When…
- Notices, Letters & Documents
- Comparison Guides
- Tenant Rights Legal Glossary
Informational only — not legal advice. Tenant Rights Info is an independent educational resource, not a law firm, and this page does not provide legal advice. Landlord-tenant law varies by state and city and changes over time, so always verify the exact rule with your state’s statute, your local court’s self-help portal, or a legal-aid office. For urgent situations like an active eviction, contact a local legal-aid office or a licensed tenant attorney in your state right away.