NYS Unified Court System Logo Image Credit: NY Courts

REBNY, Legal Aid and all parties united against evictions during Corona outbreak. On March 15, 2020, the New York State Court System issued an indefinite moratorium on eviction proceedings, effectively allowing many people and families throughout the state to stay in their homes and off the streets or in shelters. Tenant advocates and numerous elected officials argued housing insecurity and homelessness will only exacerbate the COVID-19 threat. The proceedings which a New York City Housing Court might now hear, will be limited to landlord lockouts, serious housing code violations and repair orders. Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks’ memorandum also limits other types of “non-essential” proceedings to assure the operation of the courts in the safest possible manner for the public and court employees.

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Photo Credit: NYC.Gov

Registered voters in the Democratic and Republican parties will, on June 22, 2021, be asked to participate in one of the most important primary elections in New York City’s history—with an entirely new voting system. New York City’s June primary elections will be the first major test of ranked-choice voting. Rather than voting for one favored candidate to win the party nomination, voters will be asked to rank up to five candidates on the ballot in order of preference. (more…)

Kenseth Armstead and Deborah Marton (pictured above) are the two new members of the NYC Public Design Commission. Image Credit: NYC Public Design Commission

Kenseth Armstead and Deborah Marton join the eleven member board. On November 5, 2020 Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed two new members, Deborah Matron and Kenseth Armstead, to the Public Design Commission. Both were approved by an overwhelming majority of the City Council. (more…)

Governor Cuomo addressing the COVID-19 Crisis Image Credit:
Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

The State has taken several actions to protect residential and commercial tenants. On September 28, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the statewide moratorium on COVID-19 related residential evictions will be extended through January 1, 2021. The moratorium has been in effect since March 20th and has been extended multiple times. (more…)

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo delivers briefing on Coronavirus pandemic. Image Credit: Governor’s Office

Renters will not have to repay the rental subsidy. On July 14, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a new statewide emergency rent assistance program for low-income families facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. (more…)