What should I do first if I receive an eviction notice?

Immediately read the notice for deadlines, save all documents, contact a legal services provider, and consider filing an answer with Housing Court by the deadline.

Can a landlord lock me out without a court order?

No. Illegal lockouts are prohibited; report an illegal lockout to 311 and HPD and seek emergency court intervention.

Where can I find official forms to respond to an eviction?

Official Housing Court forms and self-help instructions are available from the New York State Unified Court System website linked above.

Eviction & Tenant Rights - East New York

Housing and Building Standards New York 3 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026

In East New York, New York tenants facing eviction must follow state and city procedures to protect their rights. This guide explains how summary eviction cases move through Housing Court, what notices and timelines typically apply, and where residents can find free assistance. It highlights the agencies that process complaints, the legal basis for eviction actions, and practical steps to contest a claim or apply for emergency housing help. Read carefully for deadlines, required filings, and official contact points so you can act promptly if you receive a notice, summons, or court order.

Penalties & Enforcement

Eviction in East New York is enforced through Housing Court and statutory summary proceedings under New York law; monetary fines for landlords or tenants are generally set by statute or court order. Specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page. NYC HPD eviction resources^[1] provides guidance on complaints to city agencies, while procedural rules and timelines for hearings and post-judgment execution are set out by the courts. NYC Housing Court guidance^[2] explains summons, answers, and eviction warrants. The statutory basis for summary proceedings is in the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL). RPAPL consolidated text^[3]

Enforcer: Housing Court judges, Sheriff or marshal for writ execution; complaints about housing conditions can be filed with HPD.
Court remedies: judgment for possession, money judgments, and issuance of a warrant of eviction.
Fines/penalties: specific monetary penalties for unlawful lockouts or code violations are not specified on the cited HPD or court guidance pages.
Time limits: Responses to a summons and notice periods are governed by court rules and RPAPL; exact deadlines depend on the notice type and are detailed on the court and RPAPL pages.
How to complain: report housing conditions or suspected illegal lockouts to HPD and seek Housing Court intake help; use the official agency pages linked above for contact methods.

Do not ignore a summons; missing a Housing Court date can result in a default judgment and a fast eviction.

Applications & Forms

Housing Court forms, answers, and instructions for tenants are published by the Unified Court System; fees and form numbers vary by county and case type and should be confirmed on the court site. The court guidance page lists sample forms and self-help materials; specific filing fees and form numbers are not specified on the HPD resource page cited above.^[2]

How the Eviction Process Typically Proceeds

Landlord serves a notice or termination letter as required by lease or statute.
If the tenant does not vacate, landlord files a summary proceeding in Housing Court.
Court issues a summons; tenant must file an answer by the date listed to avoid default.
Hearing or settlement conference occurs; judge may issue judgment for possession or dismissal.
Following judgment, an eviction warrant is issued and executed by the marshal or sheriff if the tenant does not vacate.

FAQ

What should I do first if I receive an eviction notice?: Immediately read the notice for deadlines, save all documents, contact a legal services provider, and consider filing an answer with Housing Court by the deadline.
Can a landlord lock me out without a court order?: No. Illegal lockouts are prohibited; report an illegal lockout to 311 and HPD and seek emergency court intervention.
Where can I find official forms to respond to an eviction?: Official Housing Court forms and self-help instructions are available from the New York State Unified Court System website linked above.

How-To

Review the eviction notice immediately and note any deadlines.
Gather lease, payment records, photos of conditions, and any correspondence with your landlord.
Contact legal aid or tenant advocacy groups and the Housing Court self-help center for intake and representation options.
File an answer in Housing Court by the due date and bring evidence to your hearing.
If judgment is entered, request available relief such as stays, motions to vacate, or appeal within court deadlines.

Key Takeaways

Respond promptly to court papers and do not miss hearing dates.
Use official HPD and Housing Court resources to file complaints and locate forms.