Fighting Eviction

I was able to pay full rent and utilities through 2020, but I fell behind in 2021, and applied for ERAP (the Federal rent-assistance program for those affected by the pandemic) in June. I have uploaded countless documents and was informed by email last fall that I was provisionally approved. However, upon speaking to ERAP, I was told that my landlord had not provided any documents to verify the arrears.

 

This is bureaucratic ineptitude at its finest, since the documents ERAP most wants from the landlord, I provided in my application. Those documents include my lease and a tenant ledger displaying the arrears. Nonetheless, no aid can be given unless and until my landlord complies.

 

In addition, I cannot apply for or receive any aid from the Human Resources Administration unless and until I am formally denied aid from ERAP, which my attorney learned is assured given that landlord has not complied and officials at ERAP confirmed that not enough funds remain to send to the landlord to make me whole, so to speak.

 

The eviction moratorium expires on January 15, 2022, but my landlord has generously “suggested” that I move to a smaller unit in the building, at nearly five times the rent (I have been here since 1989, and my roommate, now deceased, had been here since 1976). Not one protection I now have as a rent-stabilized tenant considered “elderly,” but not, sadly, 62 yet, would be included. My landlord just wants to “help.”

 

So I am in limbo. Both ERAP and attorney suggest crowd-funding to lower the arrears. Attorney would distribute funds to landlord, reminding him that any ERAP funds that might be paid to him should be added to what we will provide. Landlord has replied that they do not “negotiate” arrears, and eviction will proceed.

 

Governor Hochul’s office told me I could receive free legal advice during my eviction, which is but the latest version of thoughts and prayers offered. My attorney does not understand the firm resolve my landlord has to evict a tenant from a building with vacancies of more than two years, but he is proud to note that he has never understood landlords.

 

So—no arrears paid by January 15, and eviction commences. Any amounts my attorney and I can forward to landlord will help any eventual hearing in Housing Court and show “seriousness of purpose.” Things I can’t post here I will happily address privately.