§ 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
five thousand dollars exclusive of interest and costs, or any action
commenced by a party aggrieved by an arbitration award rendered pursuant
to part one hundred thirty-seven of the rules of the chief administrator
of the courts (22 NYCRR Part 137) in which the amount in dispute does
not exceed five thousand dollars, provided that the defendant either
resides, or has an office for the transaction of business or a regular
employment within a district of the court in the county, or where the
claimant is or was 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 a district of the court in the county.