NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — New York's eviction ban, meant to help thousands of renters from the brink of homelessness, is set to expire next Saturday with no sign it might be further extended.
Implemented as an executive order under then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo and codified into law in June 2020, the state's ban on evictions was an attempt to help low-income renters, some suffering from economic uncertainty, during the height of the pandemic.
Days into her new administration, Gov. Kathy Hochul extended the stay in September during her first days in office to "alleviate the crisis facing vulnerable New Yorkers who are suffering through no fault of their own."
Now Hochul and her advisors are reportedly pushing state lawmakers to let the ban end as the state's share of its federal pandemic rent relief program recently shut down when its funding began to run out.
Jack Newton, director of public benefits at Bronx Legal Services, told WCBS 880 the shutdown came after a rush of demand.
"As a result, thousands of people who wanted to access the portal were unable to do so as a result of its closure," he said.
The governor requested an additional $1 billion from the federal government, but only received $27 million — less than 3% it requested.
Newton also said he hopes there's more funding on the way.
"if we're only gonna get $27 million from the federal government, we're going to have thousands, thousands and thousands and thousands of New Yorkers who cannot make ends meet," he added.
As the city grapples with a surge of COVID-19 cases and record-setting hospitalizations, Newton said he understands the effects that evictions will have on those most needy of aid once the ban lapses.
"It's been an incredibly difficult time for so many low-income New Yorkers who are facing eviction and an uncertain future," he added.
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