A new housing court in the city of Rochester is designed to assist and protect tenants with potential landlord issues.

Under a newly specialized housing court, renters in Rochester will now be able to pursue a small claims lawsuit in city court, if they prove that their landlord failed to comply with a city notice and order. The new court expedites the process for tenants as a judge hears the case directly, within 22 days of being filed.

The announcement came Tuesday from Judges Craig Doran, administrative judge of the 7th Judicial District, and Teresa Johnson, supervising judge of City Courts for the district.

"It's always been the same refrain, we cannot stop our efforts to try to serve these people that need our help," Doran said.

If a judge rules in favor of the tenant, they can issue an enforceable court order that would require the landlord to address the complaints in situations where it is deemed appropriate.

"Quality housing is not something that our tenants and people that live in our city should have to fight for, it's something that they should have a right to," said Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren.

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester was on hand for the announcement Tuesday. Mark Muoio is the director of the housing and consumer law unit at the Legal Aid Society of Rochester. Muoio says the nonprofit organization has a test case in city court this week in which he's hoping to see a ruling that goes beyond financial relief for tenants.

"Not just a money judgment, but a full repair on a timeline. It's my belief that tenants have that ability and we're just litigating it. It's something that needs to be done through the court system," Muoio said.

Rochester City Court Judge Stephen Miller is assigned to hear all of the cases in this new specialized housing court which began Monday.

"I fully respect Judge Miller and his ability to make creative decisions that are going to help the citizens in the city of Rochester," said Muoio said.

"This will provide more consistency. This will provide a judge that knows the cases, that knows the laws," Doran said.