I can always tell who's representing themselves in court. Two months ago, I see this scared Gen-Z kid mumbling to himself in the hallway. As I walk by I go, "Hey dude, great Pixies t-shirt," and he goes, "It's my dad's."

We chat about music and he tells me Modest Mouse is his favorite "classic rock band." When I ask why he's in court, it turns out he's going pro se because his $34k/year salary makes him ineligible for a free lawyer, but it's not enough to hire one either. He was a real one, so I offered him some advice on surviving housing court. You can have it, too.

Tip 1: Dress the Part

Don't wear a band's t-shirt to that band's concert or to court.

  • What to Wear: Think professional job interview. A clean, collared shirt. Slacks or a modest skirt. A blazer or jacket if you have one. Basically, anything that tells the judge, "I am a serious adult who respects this court."
  • What Not to Wear: Shorts, ripped jeans, tank tops, hats, or graphic tees.

Tip 2: Prepare Your Battle Binder

You wouldn't fight tanks from horseback, so why would you show up to court with nothing? Make sure to have both a media device with digital files and a binder with PHYSICAL COPIES of:

  • Core Documents: Your original lease, every single renewal, and every court paper the landlord served you.
  • Proof of Payment: Canceled checks (front and back!), rent receipts, money order copies for EVERY payment made.
  • Images: Clear, dated photos of everything wrong: the mold, the leak, the broken radiator.
  • Videos: Bring a device that can connect to an HDMI cable.
  • Communications: Your phone call history, texts, and emails with your landlord or super.
  • Other: Official violation reports from HPD.

Tip 3: Know the Lingo

  • 14-Day Written Rent Demand: The specific predicate notice required for a Nonpayment Case.
  • Answer: Your formal response to the landlord's Petition. You MUST file this on time.
  • Breach of Warranty of Habitability: A legal defense you can use if the landlord failed to provide a safe and livable apartment.
  • Default Judgment: What happens when you don't file an Answer or show up to court. The landlord wins automatically.
  • Holdover Case: When the landlord wants you out for a reason other than unpaid rent.
  • Nonpayment Case: The landlord claims you owe them rent.
  • Pro Se: The term for representing yourself without a lawyer. It's Latin for "for yourself."
  • Stipulation of Settlement ("Stip"): The written agreement you and your landlord might sign to settle the case. It's a binding court order.

Tip 4: Deadlines Are Everything

⚠ Critical: Answer the Petition on Time

After the landlord serves you with a petition, your first and most critical move is to file your "Answer" before the deadline. If you don't, the landlord can win a "default judgment" and that's game over—you don't get any extra lives.

Double-Edged Sword: The landlord and their lawyer must also follow these same rigid procedures for serving notices and court papers.

Exploit Their Mistakes: An improperly served notice or a defective court filing is a powerful defense that can get the entire case dismissed, forcing them to start over.

Tip 5: Talk Less to Say More

Housing Court Judges have limited time. If you start rambling, they will tune out immediately. Prepare an elevator pitch:

  1. What the Landlord Wants: "Your Honor, the landlord filed this nonpayment case claiming I owe $X."
  2. Why They're Wrong (Your Core Facts): "Here are HPD violation reports, dated photos, and 12 emails I sent requesting repairs."
  3. What You Want: "Therefore, I am asking the court to dismiss the case."

Tip 6: Use the Housing Court Help Center

The Help Center, located on the ground floor of 141 Livingston Street, offers free legal help to tenants without attorneys. They can help you understand your papers, file an Answer, and explain your options.

Tip 7: Don't Sign Anything You Don't Understand

Landlord attorneys often try to get you to sign a "Stipulation of Settlement" quickly. This is a legally binding document. Before you sign, make sure you understand every word. Ask the Help Center for assistance if needed.

Tip 8: Consider Getting a Lawyer Anyway

Yes, I know, I'm a lawyer and I'm biased. But the reality is that landlord attorneys do this every day. You're going in as an amateur against a professional. If you can find any way to get legal representation—even just for consultation—it's worth it.