New York's COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program of 2021

This article discusses New York's COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program of 2021 (the "2021 Act"), which Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law on April 16. The 2021 Act allocates $2.45 billion in rental relief for households with past-due rent in New York, comprising $2.35 billion in federal funds and $100 million in state funds.

New York joins other major states, including California and Texas, which have created programs to administer the distribution of federal rent relief funds. The 2021 Act contains certain similarities to the programs of other states, particularly as it relates to tenant eligibility criteria, but differs in important respects, including prospective eviction limitations and rent freezes.  

This article describes the current need for rental assistance programs in New York and the state's previous attempt to provide rent relief, key details of the 2021 Act, and future government actions with respect to rental assistance. 

New York's COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program of 2021.