Chemung County is launching a centralized landlord-tenant court designed to expand access to legal representation for tenants facing eviction and create more consistent procedures across the county’s local courts.
Administrative Judge Eugene D. Faughnan announced the creation of the Chemung County Landlord-Tenant Hub Court Part, according to a community announcement. The new court part will consolidate residential eviction cases filed in the county’s town and village courts into a specialized part operating in Elmira City Court.
The initiative stems from recommendations made by the New York State Permanent Commission on Access to Justice, which identified barriers affecting rural eviction proceedings. Those challenges included geographic distance, limited attorney availability and differences in procedures among local courts.
Chemung County’s 14 municipalities cover a large geographic area, creating obstacles for residents seeking legal services. Legal Assistance of Western New York, the primary provider of eviction defense services in the region, said the current court structure prevents it from representing every eligible tenant because of staffing limitations and the number of courts involved. Under the Hub Court model, the organization will be able to represent all eligible tenants.
In developing the project for the Sixth Judicial District, Faughnan worked with the Chemung Schuyler Magistrates Association, landlord representatives, Elmira City Court staff and Legal Assistance of Western New York attorneys. Town and village judges in Chemung County unanimously endorsed the proposal on Feb. 19.
“This new initiative marks a significant step forward in the court system’s ongoing efforts to expand access to the courts for New Yorkers facing financial, transportation, and other justice barriers,” Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas said. “The new Chemung County Hub Court’s centralized approach will serve as a template for other rural counties, both within the Sixth Judicial District and beyond.”
Faughnan said the initiative is intended to strengthen fairness and due process by increasing attorney access for tenants who cannot afford legal representation.
“The opening of the Chemung County Hub Court for landlord-tenant matters is an important advancement for our justice system,” Faughnan said. “By ensuring access to representation for tenants who cannot afford an attorney, this initiative promotes fairness, strengthens due process, and supports the stability of our communities.”
Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Courts Outside New York City James P. Murphy also supported the effort.
“By centralizing landlord-tenant matters into a single specialized part, we are improving both access to representation and the efficiency of court operations across Chemung County,” Murphy said. “This Hub Court will provide a more reliable and equitable process for litigants in our rural communities.”
Input from attorneys representing landlords influenced parts of the plan, including scheduling, filing procedures and courtroom operations.
Although hearings will be handled through the Hub Court, local town and village courts will continue accepting eviction petitions, collecting filing fees and scheduling initial appearances through a shared court calendar.
Court officials said the arrangement is intended to preserve local access while promoting greater consistency among cases. Legal Assistance of Western New York will serve as the Hub Court’s central legal services provider.
“The launch of the Chemung County Landlord/Tenant Hub Court is an important opportunity to strengthen the landlord-tenant process for the entire community,” Lori O’Brien, executive director of Legal Assistance of Western New York Inc., said. “A centralized court can create greater opportunities for people to access legal information and assistance, helping everyone better understand the process and their rights and responsibilities. We are excited about the opportunity to connect with more tenants earlier, provide meaningful legal guidance, and contribute to a system that is more accessible, efficient, and fair for everyone involved.”
Acting County Court Judge Peter Finnerty will preside over the Hub Part. Court Attorney Referees Joshua Shapiro, Lisa Smith and Wendy Clar will conduct initial appearances and hearings under CPLR §§ 4301 and 4320.
The Hub Court will use virtual appearance technology, standardized forms, shared calendars and centralized case management tools intended to reduce delays and support both tenants and landlords.
The court will accept filings from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will hold calendars from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each term.
The Sixth Judicial District is also developing additional landlord-tenant hub courts in other rural counties.
Court officials said a Hub Court in Otsego County, based in Oneonta City Court, is targeted to begin operating in early 2027. Additional expansions are planned in the coming years.
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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Chemung County creates hub to aid tenant defense, expand access
Reporting by Beth McDermott, Elmira Star-Gazette / Elmira Star-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Beth McDermott, Elmira Star-Gazette | USA TODAY Network
