Housing Rights during COVID -19
in New York State:
Eviction Moratorium Short FAQ
What Is An Eviction Moratorium?
New York State has instilled an eviction moratorium currently effective Monday, March 16th until mid-June. Eviction moratorium means that currently, your landlord cannot evict you if you do not pay rent. Your landlord also cannot sue you during this time and take you to court in the attempt to evict you for unpaid rent. This applies to commercial and residential tenants.
Does This Mean Rent Is Canceled?
No. You are still obligated to pay rent now. However, if you cannot pay rent, your landlord cannot evict you and they cannot sue you for nonpayment. Advocates are still fighting to cancel and suspend rent, and you can join the fight here.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Rent And The Moratorium Ends?
Unfortunately, there is nothing stopping your landlord from collecting rent once the moratorium ends. Currently, the moratorium ends mid-June, but advocates are fighting to extend the moratorium in addition to suspending rent.
What if a sheriff’s or marshal’s lockout notice or warrant has already been issued or if I have a court date already scheduled?
The moratorium applies to all pre-existing orders. They have been suspended and you cannot be evicted. In NYC, all city marshals have been notified that they can not execute any pre-existing warrants. If they attempt to violate this, please report this activity by calling the City’s Department of Investigation (DOI) Bureau of City Marshals at (212) 825-5953.
If you already have a court date, your date will be postponed. Your lawyer should be in contact with you soon.
Where can I get more information?
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For more information, please visit this more detailed link.
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Statewide hotline: 833-503-0447, open 24/7. This is a referral line only - hotline workers aren’t able to answer specific legal questions.
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In NYC, you can also call Housing Court Answers from 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday: 212-962-4795 or 718-557-1379.
Helpful Links:
Feeling Discriminated Against Due to Immigration Status?
Hotline: (800) 566-7636
Feeling Discriminated Against? Contact the Division of Human Rights
(888) 392-3644
