“Since the pandemic first arrived in our state, the Assembly Majority has worked tirelessly to provide billions in critical aid for renters, landlords and homeowners and pass legislation that protects communities statewide. Due to COVID-19’s continued threat to public health, we’re taking immediate action to address the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down the national eviction moratorium and help New Yorkers impacted by the pandemic stay in their homes. It’s vital that we give our new governor, Kathy Hochul, the opportunity to ramp up programs that put money in the hands of those who are struggling. The programs have not met expectations and Governor Hochul is promising to get vital dollars out the door to landlords and tenants.

“The Assembly Majority’s legislation extends the eviction moratorium, suspension of mortgage and tax foreclosures and small-business commercial eviction moratorium to Jan. 15, 2022, providing people more time to apply and benefit from available assistance programs (A.40001/A.40002).

“We’re also addressing a related ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court by giving landlords the ability to challenge hardship claims. In addition, New York received an additional $300 million for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which provides rental arrears, temporary rental assistance and utility arrears for low- and middle-income households. This funding builds on the $2.3 billion in combined federal and state rental aid that was included in the state budget and will help even more families. We are also adding $150 million, for a total of $250 million, to a program helping small, struggling landlords with tenants who have simply refused to pay rent, or who were not eligible for the federal funding because they earn over 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or may no longer live in the rental unit but still owe back rent. Everyone has struggled and we can’t leave small landlords and renters behind.

“The Assembly Majority knows that mass evictions during a pandemic would not only be unconscionably cruel and cause chaos and social upheaval, but would also represent a failure of government leadership when it’s needed most. We’ll continue working to lift up all New Yorkers.”