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Court Service Centers: Housing Court case types

Court Service Centers can help you with certain case types.

Use this page to figure out which case type fits your situation and what you will need to be prepared to get assistance.

If you are not sure which case type to select, you may contact a Court Service Center for help.

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Answer and Discovery for an Eviction

Who is this case type for?

For tenants who have been served with summary process (eviction) summons and complaint.

What you will need

  • Summons and complaint for eviction.
  • Notice to quit (if available).
  • Lease (if available).

Petition to Seal an Eviction

Who is this case type for?

For tenants who are seeking to seal an  eviction, for example when:

  • The case was dismissed;
  • Judgment entered for the tenant;
  • No fault eviction and the appeals period has concluded;
  • Non-payment of rent, tenant has made payments, and appeal period has concluded;
  • Non-payment of rent, tenant has not made payments,  and four years have passed after the appeals period concluded. 

What you will need

  • Your docket number(s) of the cases you are trying to seal; and
  • Copy of the judgment(s).

Please note

Petitions to Seal an Eviction must be filed in the court where the judgment entered.

If there is more than one person (over eighteen (18) years of age)  seeking to seal an eviction, each person must file their own petition.

You can complete a Petition to Seal and Eviction on your own using the eviction sealing guided interview.

The Court Service Centers may still be able to help. You may connect with the Virtual Court Service Center to discuss your matter and determine whether Court Service Centers can assist, provide helpful materials, forms, or resources.

Court Service Centers provide legal information on limited types of cases. By requesting our services, you understand that:

  • The Court Service Centers will give you legal information, NOT legal advice.
  • Court Service Center team members are not your lawyers, and what you tell them is not confidential.
  • The Court Service Centers are available to help unrepresented parties.
  • Whoever is seeking assistance must be present.
  • The Court Service Centers cannot assist you if you have a lawyer for the case you are seeking our assistance with.

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