Mid-Hudson Democrats back eviction limits
GOP lawmakers, however, say measure doesn’t help landlords
KINGSTON, N.Y. » Mid-Hudson Valley state Democratic representatives favored a new bill that extends landlord eviction moratoriums until May, while their GOP counterparts opposed it, saying it doesn’t help landlords.
The newest extension, favored by the state Legislature this week, was signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo late Monday. The measure was to expire on Dec. 31.
Renters who are facing pending evictions — or who face evictions in the next 30 days — will be protected from eviction for at least 60 days.
And the new law will also suspend evictions until May 1 for renters who submit signed paperwork stating they’ve faced hardship amid the coronavirus pandemic.
New Yorkers could point to hardships ranging from significant loss of household income, to increased outof-pocket health expenses, to caregiving responsibilities, to the risk that moving itself poses for individuals with underlying medical conditions that leave them vulnerable to COVID-19.
Still, the latest moratorium bill has drawn objection from regional Republicans and support from Democrats.
“The purpose of the legislation is simply to keep people from being put out on the streets in the middle of the unseasonable weather during this pandemic,” said Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, D-Kiingston. “It provides some protections for tenants as well as small landlords. Without question, these are extraordinary measures. “
“We are living in extraordinary times,” said Cahill, who represents the 103rd Assembly District.
But some such as Sen. Sue Serino, R-Hyde Park, say the legislation does not go far enough. Serino, who represents the 41st Senate District, voted against it.
“Countless New Yorkers are hurting and we absolutely need to act swiftly to provide critical relief where it is needed most,” Serino said in a statement. “However, this bill was rushed through at the 11th hour and only kicks the can further down the road, doing absolutely nothing to provide the meaningful relief renters, small landlords or property owners so desperately need now.”
“That’s why I ultimately voted no and will continue to advocate fiercely for real relief that keeps people in their homes while also kick starting our economy,” Serino added.
Assemblyman Chris Tague, R- Schoharie, felt similarly. Tague represents the 102nd Assembly District which includes Saugerties.
“I voted no on (the bill) because along with helping residential tenants we also need to help our small businesses renting commercial space, as the bill does not currently offer them the same protection against eviction,” Tague said in a statement. “We also need to help the small landlords who have gone months without the income they need to pay their own bills, because as currently written, this bill doesn’t do enough for the many landlords who haven’t received rent payments since March. “
Assemblywoman Didi Barrett ,D-Hudson, said the newest eviction freeze was necessary.
“We have all felt the importance of “home” over these last months — especially the need for safe and stable housing — and this bill is a step to ensure New Yorkers are not left homeless during this cold COVID-19 winter,” Barret said in an email. “Even so, we must do more to support our small landlords, who count on rental income to put food on their tables.
They cannot be left holding the bag.”
Senator James Skoufis, DCornwall, also favored the measure. Skoufis represents the 39th Senate District.
“The Legislature is taking unprecedented steps to protect the public health of New Yorkers who have lost income or seen expenses increases due to COVID-19,” Skoufis said in an email.
In Kingston, a program has been implemented to send past due rent checks directly to landlords. The initiative is expected to assist 20 tenants with overdue rent. Deadline to submit applications is Friday, Dec. 31.
“This state legislation will go a long way in helping make sure we don’t further exacerbate our already precarious emergency housing situation,” Kingston Mayor Steve Noble said.