New state program aims to help landlords, tenants

ERIE COUNTY, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The eviction moratorium has been a shield for tenants during the pandemic, but on September 1 the shield will go away. That's why local leaders are asking people to apply for relief.

New Yorkers struggling to pay rent each month can now get help. The state is offering funding through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Households with an income at or below 80% the area median income can get 12 months of their rent and utilities covered.

This assistance will also benefit landlords who might not be receiving payment from tenants.
For the past year, landlords were not allowed to evict tenants who weren’t paying rent for any reason under the state’s eviction moratorium. That comes to an end on August 31.

"Because the landlord provides bank information the money will be routed directly to the landlord’s checking and savings account so they don’t have to worry about tracking the tenant down to get that money," said attorney Justin Friedman.

Officials have set aside $2.7 billion dollars for this program that will be allocated statewide.

"It’s a case by case basis and payment is not guaranteed, so I would say get the ball rolling with this and landlords should start communicating with their tenants to get the necessary documentation and get these applications in," Friedman said.

The application for this program opened Tuesday. Again, because there is only a certain amount of funds set aside, officials are urging people to apply sooner than later.