Courts & Types
Housing and Landlord-Tenant Court
What housing court handles, who goes there, and how to prepare for a hearing as a tenant or landlord.
Local rules vary: Many states run a dedicated housing court only in certain cities or counties. Elsewhere, the same cases go to district or county court.
What housing court handles
Housing or landlord-tenant courts hear disputes about rented homes: evictions (often called summary process or unlawful detainer), unpaid rent, repairs and code violations, security deposits, and lockouts or utility shut-offs.
Why it moves fast
Eviction cases are built to move quickly. The time to respond after being served can be a matter of days, not weeks. Missing the first hearing usually means losing by default.
Preparing
- Read the papers you were served the day you get them and write down every date.
- Gather your lease, rent receipts or bank records, texts and emails with the other side, and photos of the unit's condition.
- Write a short timeline: move-in, each payment problem, each repair request, each notice.
- Ask the clerk whether mediation is offered. Many housing courts have mediators on site the day of the hearing.
Help that exists
Many courts have a tenant or landlord help desk, and legal aid organizations often prioritize eviction cases. Check your state court's self-help pages and LawHelp.org.
Sources
General information, not legal advice. Rules and deadlines vary by state.