By: Michael L. Moskowitz and Michele K. Jaspan

Governor Kathy Hochul allowed the moratorium on COVID-related residential and commercial evictions and foreclosures for New York State to expire on January 15, 2022, noting it was never intended to be permanent. The statewide moratorium was extended several times since it was first passed in the early days of the pandemic. For now, tenants can still file for eviction protection and rent relief with the state Office of Temporary Disability Assistance.

Tenant advocates are now focused on a state bill that would block landlords from evicting tenants unless there is “good cause,” such as failing to pay rent or otherwise breaching their lease. Gov. Hochul declined to say if she supports the measure. The bill would prevent landlords from removing any tenant without an order from a housing court judge, regardless of whether their lease is expired or ongoing.

Richard Weltman & Michael Moskowitz | weltmosk.com

About Weltman & Moskowitz, LLP, A New York and New Jersey Business, Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights Law Firm:

Founded in 1987, Weltman & Moskowitz, LLP is a highly regarded business law firm concentrating on creditors’ rights, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and business litigation. Michael L. Moskowitz, a partner, focuses his practice on business and bankruptcy litigation, as well as creditor’s rights, foreclosure, adversary proceeding litigation, corporate counseling, M&A, and transactional matters. Michael can be reached at (212) 684-7800, (201) 794-7500 or mlm@weltmosk.com. Michele Jaspan is a senior associate with the firm. Michele can be reached at mkj@weltmosk.com.