Governor Andrew Cuomo says he is extending the commercial eviction moratorium through the end of 2020.
The entire concept of ‘eviction moratorium’ has been debated by housing advocates, who say that the Governor’s use of that language is misleading.
Cuomo announced the extension on Tuesday. The previous executive order, which asserts to not allow commercial evictions was set to expire this week.
Housing advocates had told FingerLakes1.com that the creation of this ‘moratorium’ was nothing more than an added clause for those being evicted to use in court. However, it’s up to individual judges to decide if the merits of the claims are enough.
To put it plainly, advocates said evictions could, and likely would continue, as most of those experiencing the financial ramifications of the housing crisis created by COVID-19 wouldn’t have the means to obtain a lawyer.
“Chapter 127 of the laws of 2020 is modified to the extent necessary to prevent, for any residential tenant suffering financial hardship during the COVID-19 state disaster emergency declared by Executive Order 202, the execution or enforcement of such judgment or warrant, including those cases where a judgment or warrant of eviction for a residential property was granted prior to March 7, 2020, through January 1, 2021,” the executive order pertaining to residential property reads.
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