Residential tenants experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID pandemic and their landlords need to be aware that the application period for New York State’s COVID Rent Relief Extension Program extends through February 1, 2021.
On Monday the New York Legislature overwhelmingly passed one of the most comprehensive anti-eviction laws in the nation, which was signed later that evening by Governor Cuomo. The new legislation prevents landlords from evicting almost all tenants for the next 60 days, through March 1. Thereafter, through May 1, tenants may submit a hardship declaration, or a document explaining the source of the hardship, to prevent an eviction. Landlords are still permitted to evict tenants that are creating safety or health hazards for other tenants, and those tenants who do not submit hardship declarations. The Act also places a moratorium on residential foreclosure proceedings until May 1, 2021. Homeowners and landlords can file hardship declarations with their mortgage lender, other foreclosing party or a court that would prevent a foreclosure.
This is not intended to be legal advice. You should contact an attorney to review your specific situation.
Samuel Bergsohn is an Associate with the firm. He can be reached by phone at 845-764-9656 and by email.
