N.Y. New York City Civil Court Act § 1801: Small claims defined

§ 1801. Small claims defined. The term "small claim" or "small claims"

as used in this act shall mean and include any cause of action for money

only not in excess of ten thousand dollars exclusive of interest and

costs, or any action commenced by a party aggrieved by an arbitration

award rendered pursuant to part 137 of the rules of the chief

administrator of the courts (22 NYCRR Part 137) in which the amount in

dispute does not exceed ten thousand dollars, provided that the

defendant either resides, or has an office for the transaction of

business or a regular employment within the city of New York, or where

claimant is a tenant or lessee of real property owned by the defendant

and the claim relates to such tenancy or lease, and such real property

is situated within the city of New York.