Housing Court Changes

Due to an order from the Office of Court administration in September, the "HP Part" of Housing Court, where tenants can start cases against their landlords and get immediate city inspections when there are hazardous conditions such as no heat, rats, lead paint or defective ceilings, floors or windows, has been cut down to 3 days a week in Manhattan and 2 days a week in Queens. Part of the resistance to this denial of due process and equal protection is documenting the impact it has on real families. Please circulate the letter below. Any completed forms can be sent to Met Council, 64 Fulton Street, Room 401, New York NY 10038, or directly to Hon. Fern Fisher Brandveen at the address indicated.

Hon. Justice Fern Fischer-Brandveen
Civil Court of the City of New York
111 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013

Dear Justice Fischer-Brandveen,

(Date)

I experienced the following problems with my HP action:

[ ] I tried to start an HP case on a day when the HP Part was closed, and there were serious delays or problems.

[ ] I was turned away from starting an HP case on a day when the HP Part was closed.

[ ] When I started an HP case for emergency conditions (heat, hot water, no gas, etc.), I was not offered an early return date to court based on these conditions.

[ ] I started my HP case on _____________ (date) and had to wait for my return date until _____________ (date).

[ ] I was in court at 9:30am and because there were so many cases, I was unable to speak to an HPD attorney until ________ am/pm.

[ ] I was in court at 9:30am and I wanted to speak with the Judge and had to wait until ________ am/pm; or q (check) I was not able to speak to the Judge at all.

Other problems I have faced include:
_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

My experience with HP actions has been frustrating. I would have a hard time using this process again, or recommending it to other tenants who have repair problems.

Sincerely,

________________
Sign Name

____________________
Print Name, Address, Phone

Please mail this form to the above address.