Cases in the housing courts In New York City are not always started by the landlord. Tenants also have a right to bring what is called an HP proceeding to force their landlord to complete certain repairs.  A landlord's failure to properly and timely complete repairs can result in civil penalties assessed by the court against the landlord.  In HP cases the New York City Department Of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is named as a party and HPD Has the power to enforce court orders for repairs by letting finds against the building collecting civil penalties from the landlord and even conducting their own repairs if necessary.