BRONX, NY – With hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers expected to face eviction proceedings upon the resumption of eviction proceedings in state courts, the Governor has signed into law legislation from Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz that would keep them in their homes. The Tenant Safe Harbor Act prohibits the issuance of warrants of eviction and judgments of possession for nonpayment of rent during the COVID-19 period, which begins March 7 and ends when all business entities closed by executive order are permitted to reopen, if a tenant has experienced financial hardship during this same period. The legislation was introduced by State Senators Brad Hoylman and Liz Krueger in the State Senate and was heavily supported by advocates including Legal Aid Society and Coalition for the Homeless.

Tenants would be able to demonstrate financial hardship by providing documents that show lawful income both before and during the COVID-19 covered period, liquid assets, and eligibility for and receipt of cash assistance, supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), supplemental security income (SSI), or unemployment insurance or benefits under state or federal law. Tenants would still be subject to a money judgment for rent due, however this judgment would not result in the loss of their home. Tenants would still be eligible for eviction for nonpayment of rent owed before March 7 and after the complete reopening of New York’s economy.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D - Bronx) said: “Millions of New Yorkers have made incredible sacrifices to protect the public health against COVID-19 and I am proud that New York State has taken this step to ensure that people do not lose their homes because of that sacrifice. People have lost income and employment and many people have to pay for expenses that they did not previously have. The Tenant Safe Harbor Act will serve as a bridge until the federal government steps up to do its job and provide financial relief to people in need of help. Thank you to my colleagues in government and to the advocates who supported this legislation, and we should all be proud that we have prevented hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers from becoming homeless due to COVID-19.”