Do you need documents
for Housing Court?

NYC Housing Court Documents & Legal Forms Library

Verified forms for NYC Landlords, Tenants, and Rent Stabilization Compliance. Curated by Attorney Jay Browne.

Tenant Forms: Defense & Repairs

Stop evictions, answer lawsuits, and force repairs.

Answer in Writing (Consumer Credit & Housing)

Purpose: The "Shield." Use this checklist to tell the judge your defenses (e.g., "I paid," "Repairs needed"). Filing this prevents a default eviction judgment. Download Answer Form CIV-LT-91a (PDF)

HP Action (Order to Show Cause for Repairs)

Purpose: The "Sword." Sue your landlord in the Housing Part (HP) to force emergency repairs (heat, hot water, lead paint). Start an HP Action (DIY Tool)

Affidavit to Vacate Default Judgment

Purpose: The "Reset Button." If you missed court and received an eviction notice, file this immediately to reopen your case. Download Affidavit to Vacate (PDF)

Poor Person's Relief (Fee Waiver)

Purpose: Request to waive court filing fees if you cannot afford them. Download Fee Waiver Affidavit (PDF)

Landlord Forms

Only for cool landlords who have never used the term "rentoid". What the heck is wrong with people?

14-Day Rent Demand

Purpose: Mandatory "Warning Shot" for non-payment. You must serve this and wait 14 days before filing a court case. Do not use the old 3-Day Notice. Generate Official 14-Day Demand (DIY Tool)

Notice of Petition (Non-Payment)

Purpose: The Court Summons. Tells the tenant they are being sued for rent and how to answer. Download Form UCS-LTN1 (PDF)

Petition (Non-Payment)

Purpose: The Complaint. Sworn statement listing months unpaid and total arrears. Filed with the Notice of Petition. Download Form UCS-LTN2 (PDF)

Notice of Petition (Holdover)

Purpose: Eviction Summons. Use when recovering an apartment for reasons other than rent (e.g., lease expired). Download Holdover Notice (PDF)

Petition (Holdover)

Purpose: Sworn statement detailing why the tenancy has ended and why you are entitled to possession. Download Form UCS-LTH2 (PDF)

Affidavit of Service

Purpose: Proof of Delivery. Notarized statement by the process server confirming the tenant received the papers. Download Affidavit of Service (PDF)

Lease Compliance: DHCR & Rent Stabilization

Mandatory riders for Rent Stabilized leases.

Renewal Lease Form (RTP-8)

Purpose: Official state form offering a rent-stabilized tenant a 1- or 2-year lease renewal. Download Form RTP-8 (PDF)

Rent Stabilization Lease Rider (RA-LR1)

Purpose: Mandatory attachment for every stabilized lease outlining tenant rights under the Rent Stabilization Code. Download Rider RA-LR1 (PDF)

Bedbug Disclosure Notice (DBB-N)

Purpose: Mandatory disclosure of a building's bedbug history for the past year to new tenants. Download Disclosure DBB-N (PDF)

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

Purpose: Federal requirement for pre-1978 housing disclosing known lead paint hazards. Download EPA Lead Disclosure (PDF)

Disclaimer: These forms are for informational purposes only. Downloading a form does not create an attorney-client relationship with Jay Browne. Consult an attorney for specific advice.