Complaint
A clear, signed complaint stating jurisdiction, relief sought, lease basis, and precise monetary claim with calculations attached; it initiates the summary proceeding and frames the hearing.
A professionally prepared packet reduces filing delays, clarifies required evidence, and helps preserve landlord rights while minimizing procedural dismissals. Properly assembled packets also document service and calculations, improving readiness for hearings and settlement discussions.
Landlords, onsite managers, legal counsel and housing advocates commonly use the packet to begin nonpayment proceedings in New York courts.
Each user type relies on the packet to standardize evidence, demonstrate lawful notice and calculate monetary claims consistently across cases.
Individual or corporate landlord who holds legal title or acts as lessor. Responsible for providing rent ledgers, lease, demand notices, and authorizing filing; must ensure the name signed matches registration or corporate records for enforcement.
Licensed attorney or authorized paralegal preparing pleadings and attending return dates. Responsible for verifying procedural compliance, calculating fees and interest, and serving documents according to court rules.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Document naming | Use consistent filenames with case number |
| Required fields | Mark plaintiff, defendant, amount, dates mandatory |
| Authentication | Enable email or SMS signer verification |
| Retention | Store PDFs and audit trail for required period |
A clear, signed complaint stating jurisdiction, relief sought, lease basis, and precise monetary claim with calculations attached; it initiates the summary proceeding and frames the hearing.
An affidavit or verification by the plaintiff or authorized agent confirming the truth of the complaint's factual statements and the accuracy of attached ledgers and notices.
The written rent demand or statutory notice provided to the tenant before filing, with dates and method of delivery documented as an exhibit.
A chronological, itemized ledger showing payments, credits, invoices, late fees, and the balance due; must reconcile to the amount claimed in the complaint.
Affidavit of service or certificate demonstrating the method and date of service on the tenant in compliance with court and statute.
Signed lease, correspondence, receipts, and other documents that corroborate the landlord's claim and are organized with an exhibit index for quick review.
The operative lease or rental agreement showing tenant obligations, signatures, and effective dates; it anchors the legal claim and terms.
Bank statements, cancelled checks, or receipts showing tenant payments and dates tied to the rent ledger for verification.
Emails, letters, or text-message logs relevant to payment disputes, late notices, or partial payment agreements, organized chronologically.
A concise schedule of amounts sought, interest calculations, and any late fees with citation to lease provisions authorizing charges.
Provide written demand before filing when required by lease or local rule
File at the correct county clerk or housing court promptly after demand
Affidavit of service should reflect the exact service date
Court sets a return date for appearance or default
File timely motions or consent adjournments per local practice
Complete pleadings and exhibits and calculate relief accurately
Submit to the appropriate court or e-file portal
Effectuate and document service under court rules
Appear at the hearing or obtain an order in absence
Confirm court and local rules permit electronic filing and e-signatures before relying on digital workflows.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Yes, limited | Yes, limited |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies | Varies |