With the state’s eviction moratorium set to expire this weekend, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is accepting applications from those who need help paying their rent.
However, NEWS 10 in Albany reports there’s no guarantee of getting any money this time around. There’s no new money in the program, but those who apply will be at least temporarily protected from eviction. “The courts have said, at least if you apply, it helps to make sure you get that day in court. And we want people to apply to court,” explained Assemblywoman Pat Fahy. “Somebody can look at the records, look at the financial findings and look at the hardships and try to figure out a way to keep people in their houses, yet make sure that landlords are not bearing the brunt of this safety net.”
Genevieve Rand, a housing organizer with Citizen Action, says ERAP doesn’t provide true protection for tenants who are behind on rent, and there’s no guarantee how long they can prevent eviction by applying.
A number of Democratic state lawmakers are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to extend the eviction moratorium beyond January 15.
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