Cuomo: More tenants will be able to access state rent relief program

Gov. Andrew Cuomo pledged to make changes to the state’s rent relief program that thus far has distributed just $40 million of the $100 million available to help struggling tenants, Gothamist reports. 

“By executive order, I’m going to change the law,” he said on Thursday. “I’ve spoken to the legislative leaders about this – reopen the application window, extend the eligibility requirements to help more New Yorkers.”

Details about how the executive order will improve access for New Yorkers in need of help have yet to be released. But the clock is ticking for the state to disburse the remaining $60 million in federal funds made available under the CARES Act, as they must be distributed by Dec. 30.

More than half of the program’s applicants – some 57,000 people – were rejected from receiving relief under the program. Renters could only get help through the program if they have lost money because of the pandemic, spend more than 30% of their monthly income in rent and have an income that falls below 80% of their area’s median income. 

“We welcome the news from Gov. Cuomo that he will amend New York’s rent relief program to benefit more families in desperate need of housing assistance,” Judith Goldiner, attorney-in-charge of the Civil Law Reform Unit at The Legal Aid Society, said in a statement. “However, the devil is in the details, and Albany has just weeks to recalibrate this program to ensure that $60 million in resources reaches New Yorkers facing eviction and homelessness.”