Signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that extends eviction protections for tenants during an emergency shutdown.

Highlights:

• Prohibits any court from issuing a warrant of eviction or judgment of possession against a residential tenant or another lawful occupant that has suffered financial hardship during the COVID-19 covered period for the non-payment of rent that accrues or becomes due during the COVID-19 covered period (Sec. 1).

• Defines “COVID-19 covered period” as beginning March 7, 2020, until the date on which none of the provisions that closed or otherwise restricted public or private businesses or places of public accommodation, or required postponement or cancellation of all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size in response to the COVID-19 pandemic no longer apply (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes a tenant or lawful occupant to raise financial hardship during the COVID-19 covered period as a defense in a summary proceeding under the real property actions and proceedings law (Sec. 1).

• Requires a court to consider whether a tenant or lawful occupant suffered financial hardship during the COVID-19 covered period along with considering the following (Sec. 1):

• The tenant or lawful occupants income prior to the COVID-19 covered period;

• The tenant or lawful occupants income during the COVID-19 covered period;

• The tenant or lawful occupants liquid assets; and

• The tenant or lawful occupant’s eligibility for and receipt of cash assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, supplemental security income, the New York State disability program, the home energy assistance program, or unemployment insurance or benefits under state or federal law.

• Specifies that this act shall not prohibit any court from awarding judgment for the rent due and owing to a successful petition in a summary proceeding (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that extends eviction protections for tenants during an emergency shutdown.

Highlights:

• Prohibits any court from issuing a warrant of eviction or judgment of possession against a residential tenant or another lawful occupant that has suffered financial hardship during the COVID-19 covered period for the non-payment of rent that accrues or becomes due during the COVID-19 covered period (Sec. 1).

• Defines “COVID-19 covered period” as beginning March 7, 2020, until the date on which none of the provisions that closed or otherwise restricted public or private businesses or places of public accommodation, or required postponement or cancellation of all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size in response to the COVID-19 pandemic no longer apply (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes a tenant or lawful occupant to raise financial hardship during the COVID-19 covered period as a defense in a summary proceeding under the real property actions and proceedings law (Sec. 1).

• Requires a court to consider whether a tenant or lawful occupant suffered financial hardship during the COVID-19 covered period along with considering the following (Sec. 1):

• The tenant or lawful occupants income prior to the COVID-19 covered period;

• The tenant or lawful occupants income during the COVID-19 covered period;

• The tenant or lawful occupants liquid assets; and

• The tenant or lawful occupant’s eligibility for and receipt of cash assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, supplemental security income, the New York State disability program, the home energy assistance program, or unemployment insurance or benefits under state or federal law.

• Specifies that this act shall not prohibit any court from awarding judgment for the rent due and owing to a successful petition in a summary proceeding (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text