Queens housing court is where most eviction cases in Queens are heard, including cases for unpaid rent and “holdover” cases. If you got court papers, the most important thing is the deadline to answer: in a nonpayment case, the court’s form says you must answer within 10 days after the papers were given to you. Missing that deadline at queens housing court can lead to a default judgment against you.
Queens Housing Court: Location, Hours, and Case Lookup
Queens housing court is part of the Civil Court of the City of New York. It shares a building with the Queens Civil Court in Jamaica. The court’s Queens directory lists the Help Center in Room 235 of the same building.
Hours can change, so check them before you go. For example, the Queens directory has listed longer court hours on some weeknights, and public building access that starts at 9:00 a.m. In most cases, getting there early is the smart move. Security lines can be long.
To find your case, use WebCivil Local on the court system’s website. You can search by party name or index number. However, the court notes that landlord-tenant cases come off the online system no more than 2 weeks after the last court date. For older cases, call or visit the clerk.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 |
| Help Center | Room 235; 718-262-7185 or 718-262-7186 |
| Housing questions line | 646-386-5750 |
| General Clerk’s Office hours | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday (confirm with the court before you go) |
| Help Center hours | 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays; the Queens Help Center has been open until 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays (confirm by phone) |
| Case lookup | WebCivil Local: search by name or index number |
| Forms | Free DIY forms on the NY CourtHelp site and at the Help Center |
Your Deadlines After You Are Served
Your deadline depends on the type of case. In a nonpayment case, the landlord says you owe rent. The court’s notice says you must answer within 10 days after the papers were given to you or to someone who lives or works in your home. You answer at the landlord-tenant clerk’s office.
A holdover case is different. The landlord wants you out for a reason other than unpaid rent, such as a lease ending. Your papers will list a court date. Typically, you should show up on that date ready to answer. Read your papers carefully and check the rules with the clerk or Help Center.
A “default” means you missed a deadline or a court date. As a result, the landlord can ask for a judgment without hearing your side. If that happens, you may be able to file an Order to Show Cause. This asks the judge to undo the default and put your case back on the calendar.
What Happens on Your Court Date at Queens Housing Court
Arrive early and bring your papers and ID. Once inside queens housing court, find your courtroom on the calendar. Then check in with the court officer or clerk. Bring rent receipts, bank records, photos of repair problems, and any texts or letters with your landlord.
Most cases start in a Resolution Part. There, you and the landlord (or the landlord’s lawyer) may talk about a deal. The judge or court attorney may help. However, you do not have to sign any agreement you don’t understand. You can ask for time to talk to a lawyer first. If no deal is reached and the case is ready, it goes to a Trial Part.
If the landlord wins, the court can issue a judgment and then a warrant of eviction. Even then, a marshal must give you 14 days’ notice before an eviction. During that time, you may be able to ask for more time or a stay with an Order to Show Cause. Appeal deadlines are strict, so ask a lawyer about them right away.
Free Help in This Courthouse
The Help Center at queens housing court is in Room 235. Staff there can explain the process, give you forms, and help you write an answer. They cannot be your lawyer. However, they can point you to legal-aid groups in the building.
New York City has a Right to Counsel law. Some tenants can get a free lawyer for their whole case, whatever their zip code or immigration status. This covers both holdover and nonpayment cases. Eligibility depends on household income. Ask about a free lawyer at your first court date at queens housing court, or call the Help Center before you go.
If English is not your first language, the court will give you an official interpreter for free. It helps to tell the court before your date so one is ready. If you have a disability, ask the court about accommodations. The Queens building has assistive listening systems in its courtrooms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my case number for queens housing court?
Your index number is printed on your court papers. You can also search WebCivil Local by your name. If you can’t find it online, call the Help Center or visit the clerk’s office.
What if I miss my court date?
The landlord may get a default judgment. In many cases, you can ask the judge to reopen the case with an Order to Show Cause. Go to queens housing court as soon as you can, and contact a legal-aid office right away.
Can I get a free lawyer?
You may be able to. Under NYC’s Right to Counsel law, eligible tenants can get a free lawyer, depending on income. Ask at the courthouse or call the Help Center to check.
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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.
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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.
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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.