New York Eviction Answer: Housing Court Article 7 Procedures

RPAPL Article 7 Summary Proceedings

In New York City Civil Court (Housing Court) and District/City courts across the state, residential evictions are governed by the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL) Article 7.

The 14-Day Response Window

Under RPAPL § 732, the tenant must answer the petition within 14 calendar days. Tenants can answer in person at the court clerk's office, where the clerk records oral defenses on a standardized form, or file a written pro se Answer asserting warranty of habitability, laches, improper 14-day written rent demand, or protection under the Good Cause Eviction Law of 2024.