New York State Court System Forms Committee to Reform Overburdened Housing Courts

The newly assembled panel will consider systemic challenges and propose policy changes to improve the administration of justice in NYC Housing Court.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:51pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of an empty New York City Housing Court courtroom, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows cast across the room, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the need for reform.The New York State court system's efforts to reform the city's overburdened housing courts aim to ensure equitable access to justice for both tenants and landlords.NYC Today

The New York State court system has formed a blue-ribbon panel to tackle issues affecting the 'effectiveness, fairness, and accessibility' of the New York City Housing Court. The New York City Housing Court Practice and Policy Advisory Committee, made up of judges, academics, government officials, and attorneys representing both landlords and tenants, will gather to consider systemic challenges to the city's high-volume housing courts and suggest policy changes to improve the administration of justice.

Why it matters

The increasing volume of eviction cases flowing into the city's housing court is threatening to overwhelm the system, according to a recent report. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting eviction moratorium led to delays and a backlog of cases that continues to burden the system. The new committee will focus on making housing courts more efficient and reviewing statutes, court rules, and administrative practices within the court's purview.

The details

The committee will be co-chaired by New York City Housing Court Supervising Judge Jack Stoller and Bronx Housing Court Judge and Housing Court Judges Association President Christel Garland. In addition to tenant and landlord advocates, the team will include representatives from New York City and New York State governments, non-judicial court personnel, and court support organizations like the Center for Justice Innovation. The committee will explore procedural and other innovations to best meet the justice needs of individuals and families who seek redress in New York City Housing Court.

  • The New York State court system announced the formation of the committee on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The players

New York City Housing Court Practice and Policy Advisory Committee

A blue-ribbon panel assembled by the New York State court system to tackle issues affecting the 'effectiveness, fairness, and accessibility' of the New York City Housing Court.

Jack Stoller

New York City Housing Court Supervising Judge and co-chair of the advisory committee.

Christel Garland

Bronx Housing Court Judge and Housing Court Judges Association President, co-chair of the advisory committee.

Norman St. George

First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge who will work with the advisory committee.

New York State Bar Association

Issued a report last year finding that the increasing volume of eviction cases is threatening to overwhelm the New York City Housing Court system.

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What they’re saying

“'The New York City Housing Court hears thousands of cases each year involving consequential issues that affect the stability, safety, and well-being of individuals, families, and entire communities across the City's five boroughs. I look forward to the guidance of this newly established assemblage of experts, whose thoughtful and informed support will help ensure the Court's optimal functioning in fulfilling its crucial mission.'”

— Chief Administrative Judge Zayas

“'The laws, policies, and conditions affecting housing in New York City are complex and continuously evolving. I am eager to work with Judges Stoller and Garland and the Advisory Committee members as we explore procedural and other innovations to best meet the justice needs of the individuals and families — many among our most vulnerable New Yorkers — who seek redress in New York City Housing Court.'”

— First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George

What’s next

The New York City Housing Court Practice and Policy Advisory Committee will begin meeting to consider reforms and policy changes to improve the efficiency and accessibility of the city's housing courts.

The takeaway

This new committee represents a significant effort by the New York State court system to address the mounting challenges facing the overburdened New York City Housing Court. By bringing together a diverse group of experts, the committee aims to identify systemic issues and propose concrete solutions to ensure the court can effectively serve the housing needs of vulnerable New Yorkers.