§ 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.