Nonprofits report more New Yorkers seeking rent relief
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New York nonprofits are seeing an influx of tenants reach out for help to apply to the state’s federally funded $2.4 billion rent relief program, which opened to applications on June 1, The City reports.
BronxWorks, for example, said that it began receiving 1,000 calls per day once the program launched.
But some landlords, frustrated by tenants who have been slow to apply for the assistance, argue that the eviction moratorium reduces any urgency for them to seek help.
The program – which helps renters cover up to 12 months of previously owed rent and three months of rent in the future – began with some technical problems. Those interested in seeking support must submit applications in one online session, which has been difficult for some because of the number of documents that need to be submitted.
More than 100,000 New Yorkers have applied so far, and the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which is overseeing the program, aims to have the first payments out to tenants and landlords seeking aid in the next three weeks.