Tenants rights advocates are decrying contradictory measures taken by the state amidst the widespread housing insecurity created by the COVID-19 epidemic. Despite an eviction moratorium that protects New York tenants for months, judges in New York City will now conduct virtual conferences – including in cases where tenants have not given their consent, according to the Queens Daily Eagle.

Legal Aid and partner defender organizations warn of a crisis of evictions if landlords are able to press forward pending cases without the tenants’ understanding or participation.

“We’re very nervous because a lot of people will get caught up and they may not understand what’s happening and they might give up their rights,” said attorney Sateesh Nori, the head of The Legal Aid Society’s Queens Housing Unit. “Our clients still have nowhere to go.”