N.Y. Lien Law § 48

§ 48. Proceedings on return of summons; answer; judgment by default.\nAt the time and place specified in the summons for the return thereof,\nin a court not of record, issue must be joined, if both parties appear,\nby the defendant filing with the justice a verified answer, containing a\ngeneral denial of each allegation of the complaint, or a specific denial\nof one or more of the material allegations thereof; or any other matter\nconstituting a defense to the lien or to the claim upon which it is\nfounded. If the defendant fail to appear on the return-day, on proof by\naffidavit of the service of the summons and complaint, judgment may be\nrendered for the amount claimed, with costs.\n