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Hello...

Thanks again for your time and consultation the other day. I have a quick question: The paperwork I have says that I should be in Housing Court at 9:30am.

However, having done this many times in the past, I've noticed two things: 1) my case never seems to be called until hours later, and 2) the attorneys never seem to show up until hours later. Must I be there at 9:30a, or would it be safe to show up somewhat later as the attorneys do? Just wondering - I think you told me something about this when we met last July, but I can't remember exactly what it was. Thanks.

-C.B.

Court papers often call for the parties to be in housing court at 9:30 a.m., so that is when tenants usually appear. Landlord's attorneys, however, do a volume business. Tenants often miss work to wait for hours in court before the landlord's attorney shows up. The waiting is part of what makes housing court frustrating for tenants.

My rule is to be as well prepared and on time as possible. But if you have other things to do that morning, go ahead and do it and check in at 10:15 a.m. Most court parts require check-in by 10:30, but check the rules of your specific part. Tenants are almost always waiting for landlord attorneys to wait to finish whatever they are doing. Why sit and feel frustrated? So you're intuition is right.

Caveat: if you have been told that you are going to TRIAL specifically on that day, be there on time no matter what!