[11] The city's right-to-counsel law guarantees free legal services to all tenants facing eviction.

[15] Under Article 7A, one-third of tenants of a multiple dwelling may get a judgment directing the deposit of rents into court for remedying conditions dangerous to life, health or safety.

The cases typically dealt with in this court involve personal or property damages, contract disputes, or disagreements over services rendered.

The small filing fees and streamlined processes make it cost-effective for individuals or businesses involved in monetary disputes.

[26] Party leaders frequently designate candidates for the Civil Court judgeships, who then face an open primary against others who qualify for the ballot.

With the consent of the parties, a volunteer arbitrator hears and decides disputes in small claims parts.

[31] Specialized Landlords in New York City may use a blacklist of persons who have appeared in housing court as a plaintiff or defendant.

[33] In 1759, so-called justices' courts held by the mayor, recorder or an alderman could try cases in controversy of not more than £5 (equivalent to £967 in 2023).

[48] The Tenement House Act of 1901 was enacted by Progressive reformers to ban the construction of poor-quality apartment buildings.

[48] The Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 introduced major changes to landlord-tenant law.

[49][10][28] In Glass v Thompson the Appellate Division held the appointment of "hearing officers" to preside over non-jury trials in the housing part was constitutional, suggesting that although they were able to preside over housing matters and exercise judicial functions, their office was distinct from that of a judge of the Civil Court because they are essentially referees: nonjudicial officers of the court appointed to assist it in the performance of its judicial functions.

[28] In 1978 they were renamed as "housing judges" with the intent to improve their stature, though they "are still nonjudicial officers of the court".