Rent: How To Get NY's Government To Pay It

NEW YORK CITY — Cries of "cancel rent" reached a crescendo during the coronavirus pandemic in New York City as tenants struggled to make ends meet.

Rent hasn't been canceled, but a $2.7 billion pot of rent relief is now up for grabs.

Starting June 1, renters started applying for the relief. About 200,000 applications are expected to be granted, so time could be short.

"They are on a first-come, first-serve basis," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said as he announced the rent relief.

Here's a quick guide to go through the application process.

Who can apply?

New York City dwellers and other state residents must meet four different criteria. Those are:

• A household at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, as demonstrated by having rent overdue owed on or after March 13, 2020
• An obligation to pay rent at their primary residence and overdue rent at their current residence owed on or after March 13, 2020
• A household member who received unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in income, incurred significant costs or experienced financial hardship, directly or indirectly, because of the COVID-19 pandemic on or after March 13, 2020
• Household gross income is at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). This depends on borough, county and household size. Qualifying households are based on current income or calendar year 2020 income that is at or below 80 percent AMI.

For New York City, the qualifying AMIs are:

• Household Size — 1. At or Under 80 percent AMI — $66,850. Under 50 percent AMI — $41,800
• Household Size — 2. At or Under 80 percent AMI — $76,400. Under 50 percent AMI — $47,750
• Household Size — 3. At or Under 80 percent AMI — $85,950. Under 50 percent AMI — $53,700
• Household Size — 4. At or Under 80 percent AMI — $95,450. Under 50 percent AMI — $59,650
• Household Size — 5. At or Under 80 percent AMI— $103,100. Under 50 percent AMI — $64,450
• Household Size — 6. At or Under 80 percent AMI — $110,750. Under 50 percent AMI — $69,200
• Household Size — 7. At or Under 80 percent AMI — $118,400. Under 50 percent AMI — $74,000
• Household Size — 8. At or Under 80 percent AMI — $126,000. Under 50 percent AMI — $78,750

Applications are also open to New Yorkers regardless of immigration status. And eligible households could also qualify for help paying past due utility in the same rental unit.

How much can I get?

The rent relief pays up to 12 months of past due rent accrued on or after March 13, 2020.

It also could provide up to three more months of added rental assistance if a household expects to spend 30 percent or more of their gross monthly income on rent.

And, finally, it could cover up to 12 months of electric or gas utility payments that are past due and accrued on or after March 13, 2020.

Great! Is there a catch?

Certain applicants will be prioritized.

The order of prioritization, as listed by the state, are:

1. Households with income at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) that also include a household member who:

• Is currently unemployed for at least 90 days; or
• Is a veteran; or
• Is currently experiencing domestic violence or is a survivor of human trafficking; or
• Has an eviction case related to their current residence pending in court; or
• Resides in a mobile home; or
• Lives in a community that was disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 (Check your ZIP Code); or
• Lives in a dwelling of 20 or fewer units.

2. Households with income at or below 50 percent AMI.

3. Households with income at or below 80 percent AMI that also include a household member who:

• Is currently unemployed for at least 90 days; or
• Is a veteran; or
• Is currently experiencing domestic violence or is a survivor of human trafficking; or
• Has an eviction case related to their current residence pending in court; or
• Resides in a mobile home; or
• Lives in a community that was disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 (Check your ZIP Code); or
• Lives in a dwelling of 20 or fewer units.

4. Households with income at or below 80 percent AMI.

How long does the prioritization last?

Thirty days.

After the 30 days are through, whatever remaining money will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

OK, how do I apply?

Both tenants and landlords can apply here.

Tenants will first have to gather personal identification for all household members, such as a photo ID, driver license or passport.

They'll also need to provide a Social Security number, if they have one, as well as proof of rental amount on a signed lease, rent receipt, canceled check or money order, or landlord attestation.

Current proof of residency and occupancy by way of a signed lease, rent receipt, utility bill, school records, bank statement, postal mail with name of applicant, insurance bill or driver license must be shown.

Income eligibility must be verified by showing monthly income — through pay stubs, bank account deposit verification, unemployment benefits letter — or documents showing annual income for 2020, such as a W-2 or tax return.

Landlords can apply by showing a completed W-9, an executed lease, documentation of rent due and banking information to receive direct deposit.

The payment not only satisfies the tenant's past due rent, but also requires landlords to waive late fees and not increase monthly rent for one year.

Applications can be made here.

Additional questions and information about the program can be found here.

New York City-specific information can be found here.