Update 5/12/21 - The NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has released information about priority applications and documentation needed to apply. Application are not being accepted yet, but once the application process is opened up, the first 30 days of the program, priority will be given to certain populations. After the first 30 days, applications for all eligible households will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as funds remain available.
Update 5/7/21 - The U.S. Treasury Department issued new rules to simplify applications, cover more costs such as moving expenses and hotel stays, and help tenants even if their landlords decline to participate in the program. Review the updated Frequently Asked Questions for more details.
New York lawmakers voted to extend the state's COVID-19 eviction moratorium through the end of August 2021. Tenants who can attest to financial hardship due to the pandemic are protected from evictions for another four months. This will give tenants and landlords impacted by COVID-19 time to apply for a new rental assistance program.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) allows tenants and landlords to apply for rental and utilities arrears payments. New York State, through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (NYS OTDA), is making $2.4 billion available to help eligible households who are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the pandemic. Mobile home rent and utility payments are eligible for assistance.