Know Your Rights: Changes to the Eviction Moratorium
Last Thursday the Supreme Court struck down part of New York's Eviction Moratorium, issuing a temporary injunction against the "Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act," also known as the New York State's Eviction moratorium. The immediately suspends the eviction protections for tenants included in that law, putting thousands across the risk of heightened risk of displacement.
What Happened?
The Supreme Court has issued a temporary injunction against the "Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act," also known as the New York State's Eviction moratorium. The immediately suspends the eviction protections for tenants included in that law. However, there are still steps tenants can take to be protected against evictions.
What does this mean for you?
DO NOT SELF-EVICT! DO NOT MOVE OUT! It is extremely important to remember that evictions proceedings are long and there are other anti-eviction laws in place. However, if you filled out New York's hardship declaration form your case can now move forward.
How can you protect yourself now?
2) Apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): If you apply for this program, your landlord cannot move forward with your eviction. This is the strongest protection we have to keep people in their homes. Apply for ERAP by clicking here.
More info and resources:
Application: https://otda.ny.gov/ERAP
RENTAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION HOTLINE: 1-844-NY1-RENT (1-844-691-7368)
List of what you need to apply
Video on how to apply
3) Sign up for the federal CDC moratorium: The federal government has extended its moratorium to October 1st. It is not as strong as the NY State Eviction Moratorium but if you sign the CDC declaration of hardship, it will provide you with a defense in court if your landlord tries to evict you. This tool can help you with the form: https://www.covid19evictionforms.com/
Have more questions? Contact the Southwest Brooklyn Tenant Union at swbtenantunion@cganyc.org
Take action with us to fight back:
This Supreme Court decision does NOT prevent our Albany legislators from enacting strong (and constitutional) eviction protections. We are fighting back and demanding that Albany acts immediately to create a strong eviction moratorium until June 2022. Join Us!
Sign the petition to demand the state extend the Eviction Protections until at least June, 2022!
CALL YOUR State Legislator to demand they go back to session!
Join an emergency meeting with DSA’s Housing Working Group this Monday August 16th at 7pm
Then, on Thursday, August 19th at 9:00 AM, the DSA Housing Working Group will join a march and rally at Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn