A New York State eviction moratorium originally put into place in New York at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic expired on January 15, 2022.
What Was the New York Eviction Moratorium?
The New York State eviction moratorium was a measure that was instituted to prevent people from being evicted during the COVID-19 pandemic. That moratorium expired on January 15, 2022. While in effect, the moratorium prevented landlords from evicting tenants who were unable to pay rent due to economic hardship from the pandemic.
The moratorium did not provide direct economic assistance to tenants with difficulties paying rent, it ensured they could not be evicted while the moratorium was in place. This helped to take some of the pressure off people who may have struggled due to layoffs, furloughs, or reduced work hours.
Why Was it Put Into Place?
When the eviction moratorium was first put into place in March 2020, there was concern that people who lost their income as a result of quarantines or business closures would not be able to afford their rent and result in homelessness. Homelessness could result in people into homeless shelters, further increasing the risk of COVID-19 spread.
Why is it Expiring?
The eviction moratorium ended because the New York State legislature and the Governor chose not to renew it. While a number of other states had similar moratoriums in place, New York State is only one of two to allow it to last this long (New Mexico being the only other holdout). The moratorium expired in part due to pressure from landlords, who had non-paying tenants in their apartments since the moratorium was first instituted, without the ability to evict.
What Happens Now?
With the end of the moratorium, tenant advocacy groups fear the state will see a sharp increase in the number of people forced into homelessness. Additionally, tenants who did not pay rent during the pandemic, now face potential eviction due to that failure to pay rent. These tenants may also have to pay back all the rent not paid while they remained in their apartment during the moratorium.
For this reason, it is important for tenants who may be facing eviction to contact a landlord-tenant lawyer, who may be able to help them with their current circumstances. The legal professionals at Hobson-Williams, P.C. will advise you on the options available to you, and help you establish a plan that best suits your needs. Call (718) 210-4744 or visit our contact page to speak to one of our attorneys.
