Legal Aid Society

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LAS Demands Emergency Rent Assistance as Eviction Proceedings Resume

The Legal Aid Society called on Albany to immediately enact the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program of 2021 (S2742B/A3918) as New York State’s 60-day blanket eviction moratorium expired on Friday, February 26, 2021. Only New Yorkers who have submitted a hardship declaration are now protected against eviction, reports El Diario.

If you have experienced financial hardship or face significant health risk because of COVID-19, you cannot be evicted at least until May 1, 2021. However, in order to receive protection, you must notify your landlord, the local eviction court, or both. This form will help you automatically send notice to your landlord and the court that you are eligible for protections. You may access the Tenant’s Declaration of Hardship During the COVID-19 Pandemic here.

To get help or to see if you qualify for free legal assistance in a housing matter, call The Legal Aid Society’s housing helpline, Tuesdays only from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 212-298-3333, or call a Legal Aid neighborhood office in your borough:

Manhattan: 212-426-3000
Brooklyn: 718-722-3100
Bronx: 718-991-4600
Queens: 718-286-2450
Staten Island: 347-422-5333