Renters Get Free Eviction Help From New NYC Website

NEW YORK CITY — Help with an eviction threat during the coronavirus crisis is now just a click away.

The city on Monday launched a new "Tenant Resource Portal" to connect renters with free resources, legal help and more.

The website follows the near-expiration of a statewide moratorium on evictions and growing concerns that a recent tenant protection law will leave certain renters at risk.

"The City is doing everything in our power to support vulnerable families as they deal with a public health and economic crisis," said Mayor Bill de Blasio in a statement. "With the launch of the Tenant Resource Portal, we are unveiling the first, City-hosted platform where tenants at risk of eviction can go to find a unified directory of all the housing-related resources they may need."

Thousands of New York City tenants have faced trouble paying rent during the coronavirus pandemic, but they remained protected from eviction by a statewide ban issued by Gov. Andrew Cuomo that effectively paused housing court proceedings.

A state law called the Tenant Safe Harbor Act gave renters additional protection from eviction if they couldn't pay rent because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But advocates pointed out the law may not protect tenants who faced eviction before the pandemic would not be covered by that law. Last week, 14,000 households in New York City with pre-pandemic eviction warrants were at risk of eviction proceedings after Cuomo waited until the last minute to renew the statewide moratorium.

Still, Cuomo's order left it to state courts to decide on whether to restart eviction proceedings.

The state's Office of Court Administration said last week that a pause on evictions will remain in effect, Law360 reported.

But Janet DiFiore, the state's chief judge, in comments released Monday said bench trials Brooklyn housing court began in July and this week they'll begin in Staten Island for matters "filed before the pandemic in which both sides are represented by counsel." Courts in other boroughs will be ready to reopen in September, she said.

With this relative uncertainty, De Blasio pledged to help New Yorkers who face eviction for "economic reasons" or the pandemic.

The city's portal offers free help for all residential tenants, who will respond to questions about their situation. Once they answer prompts such as "My landlord says I have to move out!" the site will direct them to resources.

It also provides up-to-date information on the status of evictions in housing court, according to a release.

Renters without access to the internet can call and ask for the city's "Tenant Helpline," where they can receive free assistance from a specialist, the release states.

Check out the Tenant Resource Portal here.