Guide
How to answer an OATH summons before the hearing (and avoid a default)
Never let a summons default. Answering before the hearing is the least expensive move you have.
The cheapest outcome is answering your summons before the hearing. Here are your four ways to respond, how to reschedule correctly, and how to walk in with the strongest case.
When this applies
You have an ECB/OATH summons with an upcoming hearing you haven't defaulted on yet.
How it's normally done — and how we make it easy
| Step | The usual way | With DailyDog |
|---|---|---|
| Know your options | Assume you must appear in person | The four answer modes, laid out |
| Reschedule correctly | Request it too late | Deadline tracked before the date |
| Show up prepared | Arrive with nothing | Evidence assembled from your vault |
Step by step
- 1
Pick how you'll answer
OATH lets you answer online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Choose one and prepare your evidence.
- 2
Reschedule if you need to — before the date
If the timing's wrong, file the Request to Reschedule an Upcoming Hearing online, or by mail received before the scheduled date.
- 3
Bring your strongest evidence
An accepted Certificate of Correction is the best evidence that the condition is fixed. If your certificate is still pending and the hearing is close, consider rescheduling so it can be presented.
- 4
If you default anyway, act fast
If you miss it, you have 75 days to request a new hearing — but answering on time avoids spending that one-shot reopen.
Before you start — have this ready
- The summons number and the hearing date.
- Your evidence — an accepted Certificate of Correction is the strongest.
Who to contact
What to ask
Ask for a Procedural Justice Coordinator to walk you through your answer options (online, phone, mail, in person) and what evidence helps — it's a free service for people without a lawyer.
See if this is on your building
Check any NYC address free — then let DailyDog track the deadlines so none of this sneaks up on you.
Frequently asked
- What are my options for answering an OATH summons?
- Online, by phone, by mail, or in person. You can also request to reschedule an upcoming hearing before its date.
- What's the best evidence at an OATH hearing?
- An accepted Certificate of Correction showing the cited condition was fixed and certified with the DOB.
Verified 2026-07-06· Informational only, not legal advice · Confirm current requirements on the city's official portal