NYC Housing Court Glossary
Traverse Hearing
Plain EnglishA mini-trial to prove the landlord served you improperly
Legal Definition
A court hearing where the judge decides whether the landlord properly served you with the petition. If the judge finds service was defective, the case is dismissed.
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Practical Tip
If you were never properly served, you can win on this alone — before the landlord even argues the merits of the case.
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