Evicting a tenant in Rome, New York is handled through Rome City Court under the framework of New York Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law and the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019. As everywhere in New York State, self-help eviction is prohibited, and removal of a tenant requires a warrant of eviction issued by the court and executed by law enforcement. This guide covers the Rome eviction process, the jurisdictional court, notice requirements, and typical timelines.

Jurisdiction: Rome City Court

Residential evictions within the City of Rome are filed in Rome City Court. Properties located in adjacent Oneida County towns such as Lee, Westmoreland, Floyd, or Verona are heard in the relevant town justice courts. Rome City Court handles civil, criminal, and landlord-tenant matters. Before filing, confirm that the rental property is within the city boundaries.

Non-Payment Eviction Steps

Fourteen-day rent demand notice. Required under HSTPA. The notice states the amount, period, and payment deadline. Service is personal, substituted, or conspicuous place.
Petition filing. After the 14-day notice expires, a non-payment petition is filed in Rome City Court with supporting documents.
Service of the petition. Service is made under CPLR rules.
First appearance. Both parties appear. Tenants may be represented by Oneida County Legal Aid or private counsel.
Trial or stipulation. Resolution through trial or settlement.
Judgment and warrant. Successful landlords receive a judgment and warrant of eviction.
Warrant execution. The Oneida County Sheriff executes the warrant.

Holdover Evictions

Holdover proceedings are used when a tenant remains after the lease expires or violates a substantial lease provision. HSTPA notice periods apply: 30 days for less than one year of tenancy, 60 days for one to two years, and 90 days for two or more years.

Local Considerations

Rome’s rental housing is concentrated in older neighborhoods near the city center, along West Dominick Street, North James Street, and the Copper City Commons area. Rental stock includes single-family homes, two-family conversions, and small multi-unit buildings. Rome’s economy includes Griffiss Business and Technology Park and several stable employers in aerospace, defense, and healthcare. Tenants with stable employment at these institutions are a meaningful share of the market.

Court volume in Rome is lower than in Utica or Syracuse, which can affect scheduling. First appearances may be grouped on specific days of the week, and landlords should plan for the court’s calendar rather than expecting rapid turnaround. Process servers familiar with the Rome area are helpful.

Timeline and Cost

A contested non-payment eviction in Rome typically takes 60 to 120 days. Uncontested cases can resolve in 45 to 75 days. Direct costs include filing fees, process server fees, attorney fees, and sheriff charges. Total costs including lost rent and turnover run $2,500 to $7,000 for a contested case.

Prohibited Self-Help

Lock changes, utility shut-offs, removal of belongings, threats, and retaliation against tenants for code enforcement complaints are all illegal. These practices create civil and criminal exposure and can derail a legitimate eviction action entirely.

RenPro Property Management

RenPro Property Management operates in Rome and surrounding Oneida County communities, handling residential and commercial rental property management, rent collection, maintenance, compliance, and evictions through Rome City Court. For questions, contact RenPro at (315) 636-2524 or [email protected].

How to Evict a Tenant in Rome, NY