Code: Court order (Judge’s written command)
Description: (Court order) is a written decision or command from a judge that tells a person or company what they must do or must stop doing. In NYC housing and building cases, a court order can require an owner to make repairs, stop harassment, follow a payment plan, or move forward with an eviction or other action.
Practical Meaning: A court order means a judge has made a formal decision, and you must follow the exact instructions and deadlines written in that document or you may face serious consequences such as fines, eviction, or other enforcement. For example, a court order may tell an owner to finish repairs by a certain date, stop harassing tenants, accept a payment plan, or allow the tenant to move out on a set schedule.
Where You May See It: You may see a court order in NYC Housing Court papers, in an HP action for repairs, in nonpayment or eviction cases, or in orders connected to DOB or HPD enforcement cases that have gone to court. It can appear as a signed stipulation of settlement, an Order to Show Cause decision, or another written order signed by the judge and given to both sides.
Why It Matters: A court order is legally binding, so not following it can lead to eviction, money judgments, extra penalties, or more serious legal action against the owner. For owners and small landlords, understanding each part of a court order and meeting the deadlines can protect rental income, reduce risk of enforcement, and avoid long‑term damage to credit, property value, or your ability to refinance or sell.
Source: More About Housing Court Orders