Cuomo Announces New COVID Rental Assistance Program

On July 16, 2020, Governor Cuomo and NYS Legislature enacted a New COVID Rental Assistance Program to help tenants impacted by Coronavirus Pandemic.

This is an emergency rental assistance program for those tenants who are NOT working and NOT receiving any other rental assistance subsidies.

Under, the new program, eligible households will benefit from on-time rent subsidy paid directly to landlords and housing providers. Tenants are not required to repay this assistance.

To Qualify: Applicants MUST meet ALL eligibility requirements:

* Must be a renter with a primary residence in NYS.

*Before March 1, 2020-and at the time of the application household income; including unemployment benefits must be below 80 percent of the Area Median Income-Too see if your family is eligible please refer to HCR's website https://hcr.ny.gov. and https://hcr.ny.gov.file for income level verification. As of today, in Suffolk a family of 4 can make up to $92, 900.00 (80%AMI).

* A rent burden myst be prevalent which is defined as paying more than 30% of gross monthly income towards rent.

*Applicants myst have lost income during any period between April 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020.

*The application prisoned will be open for TWO Weeks.

Maryann Maltese a former Regional Communications Planner supports this COVID 19 Initiative because those in my district in the greatest need will receive additional assistance to get back on their feet. Earning no wages due to COVID 19 has been emotionally devastating for so many of us that this program to assist tenants is the way to go. There is no loss in filling out an application and providing as much information as possible within two weeks. Don't be discouraged if there are long wait times, but stay firm in your applications.

Households with at least one member with U.S. Citizenship or eligible immigration status are qualified to receive the assistance. Households can apply for up to 4 months in rental assistance for the months of April through July. There is a stay order that No landlord can commence eviction procedures until August 31, 2020. This a win for our district with present factors in place.; landlords receive rental arrears and tenants have time to get back on their feet for the next 4 months. This program is open to households that rent apartments, single-family homes, manufactured homes and manufactured home lots.

HCR priorizara' a los hogares con mayor necesidad económica y social, considerando ingresos, carga de alquiler, porcentaje de ingresos perdidos y riesgo de quedarse sin hogar. El pago de la asistencia de alquiler cubrirá' la diferencia entre la carga del alquiler del hogar al 1 de marzo de 2020, y el aumento en el alquiler durante el periodo para el que la familia solicita la assistance. Los hogares pueden solicitar hasta cuatro meses de asistencia de alquiler para los meses de abril hasta julio. El programa esta' abierto a los hogares que alquilan apartamentos viviendas unifapiliares, vivideras prefabricadas y lotes de viviendas prefabricadas.

Maltese further elaborated that is is a win for Small Landlords as eligible tenants will make good on their rent arrears and NYS has made a commitment to landlords. by stepping up to help vulnerable neighbors and ensuring that tenants remain in sound housing options, said Maryann Maltese-candidate for NYS Assembly 12th AD.

"As a licensed real estate associate; I'm happy to answer questions to the best of my knowledge. I have 18 years of DHCR, Tenant and Landlord Mediation Experiences to help my community in need. I wish everyone the best during this time and let me know how processing the application went. I'll be listening. Be patient and get online...", said Maryann Maltese