In NYC, Should we go directly to the rent office or go through housing court?

We received a petition today to appear in court within 5 days of receiving the notice of petition. However, we have the money together as of today. Can we just go straight to the rent office for payment or do we still have to go through housing court come Monday?

Definitely go through the housing court. Make sure you have the rent, court costs, attorney fees and late fees available to pay in court.