The Legal Aid Society condemned the Hochul Administration for closing New York’s rent relief application process, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) portal, denying New York City residents in need of the ability to apply for funds to assist with back rent payments, as reported by City Limits.

This move is premature, under U.S Treasury Department eligibility standards, New York will likely qualify for the $1 billion in additional rent relief resources the State recently requested. Given ERAP’s botched application launch this past year any re-launch is likely to encounter the same issues and further discourage families from applying.

“The idea that they would close down the applications before they reapply for more money is ridiculous. It’s like they’re saying to tenants that they’re on their own and the state isn’t around to help them anymore,” said Ellen Davidson, a staff attorney with the Civil Law Reform Unit at The Legal Aid Society.

Legal Aid calls on the Governor to reverse course and keep the ERAP portal open so New York City families can continue to apply.