Your First Time at Kings County Housing Court

The first thing you'll notice about 141 Livingston Street is the line. On Monday mornings, it wraps around the building and down the block toward Smith Street—hundreds of people clutching manila envelopes full of court papers, all waiting to clear security before the 9:30 calendar call.

I've been walking into that building since 2012. I've represented tenants fighting to keep their homes and landlords trying to regain their properties. I've watched the security line in January when it's 20 degrees outside, and I've navigated the elevator banks when three of the five elevators are broken.

This guide is everything I wish someone had told me before my first appearance at Kings County Housing Court. It won't make your case go away, but it will help you walk into that building knowing what to expect.

Getting to 141 Livingston Street

The courthouse sits between Smith Street and Boerum Place in Downtown Brooklyn—a large gray government building that houses Housing Court, Civil Court, and Small Claims. Don't confuse it with the Supreme Court building a few blocks away on Adams Street.

By Subway

• A/C/G to Hoyt-Schermerhorn — Take the Livingston Street exit and walk one block east. About 3 minutes.
• 2/3/4/5 to Borough Hall — Exit at the Joralemon Street side, walk two blocks east on Livingston. About 5 minutes.
• F/G to Bergen Street — Head south on Smith Street until you hit Livingston, then turn left. About 10 minutes.
• N/R to Lawrence Street-MetroTech — Exit toward Willoughby Street, walk south on Jay Street to Livingston. About 7 minutes.

By Car

Street parking near the courthouse is nearly impossible during court hours. Your best options are the municipal parking lot on Atlantic Avenue between Nevins and 3rd Avenue, or garages near Barclays Center. Budget $15-25 for parking.

The Security Checkpoint

The security line at 141 Livingston Street is a test of patience. On busy days—Mondays especially—the wait can stretch to 30 or 40 minutes.

When to Arrive

If your calendar call is at 9:30 AM (and most are), arrive by 8:45 AM at the latest. That gives you time to clear security, figure out which floor you need, wait for an elevator, and find your courtroom before your name is called.

What NOT to Bring

• Weapons of any kind
• Pepper spray or mace
• Sharp objects—scissors, nail files, box cutters
• Large bags if you can avoid them

What You CAN Bring

• Your phone (keep it on silent in the courtroom)
• Food and drinks (can't bring them into the courtroom itself)
• All your documents—court papers, lease, rent receipts, photos

The Elevator Situation

The elevators at 141 Livingston Street are legendary for their unreliability. On any given day, two or three of the five elevators might be out of service. If your courtroom is on the 4th or 5th floor, seriously consider taking the stairs.

Finding Your Courtroom

Look at your court papers—specifically, the Notice of Petition. You'll see a Part assignment like "Part A" or "Part 52" or "Resolution Part." That's your courtroom.

What "Part" Means

• Resolution Part — Where most cases start. A court attorney will try to help the parties reach an agreement.
• Part A, Part B, Part C, etc. — Trial parts for cases that couldn't settle.
• HP Part — Handles HP Actions (tenant lawsuits for repairs).

What Happens When Your Case Is Called

The Calendar Call

At the start of the session, a clerk will call through the calendar—reading case names one by one. When you hear your case, stand up and say "Present" or "Here."

The Resolution Part

Most Housing Court cases don't go straight to trial. You'll likely be directed to negotiate with the other side, often in the hallway. A court attorney will try to broker a settlement.

You have rights in this process:

• You can ask for an adjournment to hire a lawyer or gather evidence
• You can say no to a settlement you don't like
• You can ask questions about anything you don't understand

What to Bring

Essential Documents

• Your court papers (Notice of Petition, Petition, any motions)
• Photo ID
• Your lease (if you have one)
• Rent receipts, canceled checks, or bank statements
• Any written correspondence with your landlord
• Photos of apartment conditions (if repairs are an issue)

If You Have Repair Problems

• HPD violation records (look these up online before court)
• 311 complaint confirmation numbers
• Dated photos and videos of conditions

When You Need a Lawyer

You have the right to represent yourself, but consider getting a lawyer if:

• You're facing eviction and want to stay in your home
• The landlord has a lawyer and you don't
• There's significant money at stake
• Your case involves rent stabilization or succession rights

Free Legal Help

You may qualify for free representation under NYC's Right to Counsel program:

• Income limit: About $30,000/year for a single person, $62,000 for a family of four
• Age 60+: Eligible regardless of income

(Income thresholds based on federal poverty level; verify current eligibility at court)

To access Right to Counsel:

• Legal Services NYC: 917-661-4500
• Housing Court Answers: 212-962-4795
• 311 — Ask for the "tenant helpline"

You've Got This

Brooklyn Housing Court is chaotic, crowded, and confusing. But thousands of people navigate this system every week. Arrive early. Bring your documents. Know your Part. And never sign anything you don't understand.

If you need help, I'm here. My office is ten minutes from the courthouse, and I've been handling cases at 141 Livingston Street for over a decade.