nyc hp action is a repair case you file against your landlord in NYC Housing Court. The key number in a nyc hp action is the $45 court fee, and a judge can waive it if you cannot pay.
What NYC HP Action Actually Says
Maybe you have court papers in hand, or a letter that mentions Civil Court Act 110. That citation points to the Housing Part of NYC Civil Court. This court handles repair cases called HP proceedings. The “HP” stands for Housing Part. A nyc hp action lets a tenant ask a judge to make the landlord fix conditions and correct violations.
The process is simple on paper. First, tell your landlord about the problem and keep a copy of any letter. If nothing gets fixed, go to the Housing Court in the county where you live. You fill out an HP Petition and list every condition in your home and in the building’s shared areas. As a result, nothing gets left out of the nyc hp action.
You can also ask for a city inspection. HPD, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, sends an inspector. The inspector’s report becomes evidence. In most cases, the case ends with an “order to correct.” That is a court order with repair deadlines.
| Provision | Exact rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Who hears repair cases | The Housing Part of NYC Civil Court | NYC Civil Court Act 110 |
| Filing fee | $45 (you can ask for a fee waiver) | NYC Housing Court |
| How the case starts | HP Petition, usually by Order to Show Cause | NYC Housing Court |
| Inspection | Tenant’s Request for Inspection by HPD | NYC Housing Court |
| Main result | Order to correct, with repair deadlines | NYC Housing Court |
Who NYC HP Action Covers (and Who It Does Not)
A nyc hp action is for tenants who live in the five boroughs. That means the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. It covers repairs inside your apartment. It also covers public areas, like hallways, stairs, and the boiler that heats the building. Lack of heat, hot water, or other services is covered too.
However, the Housing Part is a New York City court. If you rent in Yonkers, Buffalo, or anywhere outside the five boroughs, a nyc hp action is not your tool. Other New York courts handle repair problems there. Check with your local court or a legal-aid office.
The Housing Part also hears harassment cases. For example, a tenant can ask the judge to order a landlord to stop harassing behavior. You can file on your own, too. JustFix.nyc is a free web tool that helps tenants prepare and file HP papers online. In most cases, neighbors with the same problems can talk to the clerk about filing together.
What Your Landlord Must Do Under This Law
Once you file, your landlord must be served with the papers. The Order to Show Cause says exactly how to serve them. Follow those steps carefully. Typically, the landlord then has to come to court on the date listed. HPD also has a lawyer in the Housing Part for each nyc hp action.
If the landlord does not show up, HPD’s lawyer can ask for an “inquest.” The judge hears your testimony and looks at the inspection report. Then the judge may issue an order to correct. If the landlord does show up, both sides often sign an agreement called a stipulation. That agreement usually sets repair dates too.
HPD puts violations into classes. Each class has its own repair deadline. These deadlines come from HPD and apply to every nyc hp action where violations are found. They can change, so confirm current timelines with HPD.
| Violation type | Example | Time to fix |
|---|---|---|
| Heat or hot water | No heat in winter | Immediately |
| Class C (general) | Immediately hazardous condition | 24 hours |
| Class C (special) | Mold, lead paint, pests, window guards | 21 days |
| Class B | Hazardous condition | 30 days |
| Class A | Non-hazardous condition | 90 days |
What You Can Do When a NYC HP Action Order Is Broken
Sometimes the landlord ignores the order to correct. You do not have to start over. You or HPD can bring the case back to court with an Order to Show Cause. This asks for a compliance hearing. At that hearing, the judge can assess civil penalties against the landlord.
The court’s own guide says penalties can run $10 to $50 per day for each Class A violation. Higher penalties apply to other classes and to heat and hot water failures. Confirm current amounts with the Housing Court clerk. A landlord can also face liens. In a nyc hp action, you may also file a motion for contempt. As a result, the landlord can be fined, jailed, or both.
Keep good records the whole time. Take dated photos. Save texts, letters, and repair requests. Bring copies to every court date. If you also face an eviction case, get help right away. Contact a local legal-aid office or tenant attorney before you sign anything. A nyc hp action does not stop an eviction case on its own.
📨 Get Free Tenant Rights Guides Alerts
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a nyc hp action cost?
The court fee is $45. If you cannot afford it, you can apply for a fee waiver. If the judge approves it, you get a free index number.
Do I need a lawyer to file a nyc hp action?
No. Many tenants file on their own at the Housing Court clerk’s office or online through JustFix.nyc. However, a legal-aid office or tenant attorney can help, especially with harassment or eviction issues.
What if my heat or hot water is out right now?
Lack of heat or hot water is an emergency. HPD says it must be fixed immediately. Go to the Housing Court in your county and ask about emergency repair relief.
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.