Self Help Forms

It is always better to have a lawyer represent you, but there aren't always lawyers available. These are resources to help you if you can't find a lawyer.

Request an Adjournment

Need more time to look for a lawyer?  Give the Court this form to ask for 14-days to find a lawyer while preserving your defenses. Note: the Court usually only gives one 14-day adjournment, but you can ask for more if you need them.

Answer the Eviction Proceeding

If you are not able to find a lawyer and you can't get any more adjournments, you should do a written answer to let the court know why you should not be evicted. The type of eviction is listed at the top of the petition.  Click on the answer forms below:

Nonpayment Eviction -- Tenant Answer and Counterclaim

Holdover Eviction -- Tenant Answer and Counterclaim

Stopping an Eviction that has Been Ordered

Default Judgments: If an order and warrant of eviction has already been issued, but you missed court and had an excuse for not being there you can file an emergency motion (an Order to Show Cause) to request that the Eviction be stopped.  NY Courts explain when and how to do this here: Vacating a Default Judgment | NY CourtHelp

NY Courts also have a Do It Yourself (DIY) program to help you apply to Vacate a Default Judgment here: Tenant Vacate Default Judgment Program - DIY Forms | NY CourtHelp

Requesting More Time: If a Court issued an Order and Warrant of eviction against you, but you need more time to pay or move, you can file an emergency motion (Order to Show Cause) for more time. Come to one of our Syracuse City Court Clinics or call us (315-807-0043) for help preparing this.

Petition for Repairs

All tenants have the right to safe housing! If your apartment has any conditions which are dangerous, hazardous or detrimental to your life, health or safety, or which violate housing laws, you have the right to sue your landlord to make repairs. This Petition is called a RPAPL Article 7-D Petition for Judgment Directing Repairs. Click HERE to go to our webpage with the petition and more information.