Cuomo Effectively Extends Eviction Moratorium Window By 30 Days

NEW YORK CITY — Down-on-their-luck New York City renters worried about eviction likely can rest easy for another 30 days.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo late Wednesday extended an executive order until Sept. 4 that gives courts leeway to halt eviction proceedings. Courts are expected to make that call later Thursday, and if they do then New York's eviction moratorium could be extended by 30 days.

"No evictions as long as we are in the middle of this epidemic," Cuomo said.

But Cuomo's reassurance seemed to hinge on a state law — the Tenant Safe Harbor Act — which gives tenants protection from eviction if they couldn't pay rent because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Advocates worried that renters who faced eviction before the pandemic would not be covered by that law.

The eviction moratorium's potential lapse Wednesday would leave 14,000 New York City households with pre-pandemic eviction warrants vulnerable, advocates argued.

Melissa DaRosa, the governor's secretary, responded to questions about the moratorium during a news conference call by outlining the safe harbor law.

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday encouraged New Yorkers fearful of eviction to call 311, where they can be connected with legal help.

This story will be updated when the court's guidance on evictions is made official.