Civil Court - Kings County

About This Court

Kings County Housing Court in Brooklyn handles landlord-tenant disputes, eviction proceedings, and housing conditions cases for Brooklyn's large renter population.

Brooklyn Housing Court is notable for accepting requests by phone and email in addition to mail and in-person, giving requesters more flexibility than most other Housing Court locations. The court handles a very heavy caseload, second only to the Bronx in volume, so having complete case information ready speeds up the process.

All proceedings are digitally recorded. Audio copies are free. You may listen onsite or bring a USB drive to copy the recording. Written transcripts require an OCA-approved vendor.

Who Can Request

Any party to the case (landlords, tenants, attorneys) and members of the public may request audio recordings or transcripts by providing the case index number and hearing date.

What You Can Request

• Certified transcript: Yes. Official transcripts are available.
• Audio copy: Yes. Audio listening copies may be available.
• On-site listening: Yes. You may request to listen to the recording at the courthouse.

Recording method: Digital audio recording

What You Need (Data Checklist)

• Case name and index/docket number
• Date(s) of the proceeding
• Judge's name and courtroom/part (if known)
• Your contact information (name, phone, address)
• Selected transcription vendor from the approved list

Court-Specific Process

1. Complete the Request for Audio Record form (CIV-LT-90) with the index number, hearing date, and judge/part information.
2. Submit by phone, email, mail, or in person at the Brooklyn Housing Court location; Brooklyn is the only Housing Court that accepts phone and email requests for audio.
3. For audio copies, visit the courthouse with a USB drive for a free copy, or request onsite listening. For transcripts, designate an OCA-approved vendor.
4. If requesting a transcript, the court forwards the audio to the vendor, who contacts you with cost and timeline.

Fees & Timing

Audio copies are free and usually available within a few business days. Written transcripts from vendors cost $1.00-$3.50 per page with 30-60 day turnaround. Expedited service is available at higher rates. Fee waivers are available through the UCS poor person application.

Common Pitfalls

Before You Submit

Required Forms

Fee Waiver (Poor Person Relief)

Fee waiver may be requested through general poor person application

To apply for a fee waiver, you'll need these forms:

• Application to Waive Court Costs, Fees, and Expenses (UCS-FW1)
• Notice of Motion to Waive Court Costs, Fees, and Expenses (UCS-FW2)
• Affirmation of Service (Motion to Waive Fees) (UCS-FW3)
• Order – Application to Waive Court Costs, Fees, and Expenses (UCS-FWO1)