V. If the tenant files an appearance, a hearing shall be scheduled to occur within 10 days after such filing, with allowance for additional time pursuant to paragraph IV, with notice of the hearing mailed to the parties no fewer than 6 days prior to the hearing. If the tenant fails to file an appearance or fails to appear at the hearing on the merits, the tenant shall be considered in default, and the court shall mail a notice of default to the addresses set forth on the summons the day following default. If both the plaintiff and defendant appeared at the hearing on the merits, the court shall mail a notice of judgment to the addresses set forth on the summons as soon as possible, but no later than 2 days after the hearing on the merits. Seven days after mailing such notice, if the prevailing party was the landlord, then the court shall enter judgment for the landlord and issue the writ of possession forthwith.
[Paragraph V-a effective October 8, 2026.]
V-a. Any motion to continue or otherwise delay the hearing on the merits should not be granted without good cause or by agreement of the parties.
VI. In deciding any contested hearing, the court shall issue a written decision setting forth the basis for its decision.
VII. In the case of nonpayment of rent, while the possessory action is pending, the landlord may accept payment of the rental arrearage without creating a new tenancy, provided that the landlord informs the tenant in writing of the landlord's intention to proceed with the eviction in spite of the landlord's acceptance of the payment. The landlord may choose not to accept payment and to proceed with the eviction.