Gov. Hochul Promises Help for WNY Renters and Landlords

New York has  $2.7 billion, in state and federal funding, to use for its Emergency Rental Assistance Program, known as ERAP, and Governor Kathy Hochul is making sure that money is distributed to those in need.

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Governor Hochul is who has made a promise of more transparency in her administration is putting more people in place to process applications and says the state will do better.

“I want the money out now, I want it out with no more excuses and delays,” said Governor Hochul.

According to a story on NEWS 4 (WIVB-TV) within hours of becoming Governor Kathy Hochul made it clear of her dissatisfaction with the pace of emergency rental assistance.  New Yorkers could lose their homes due to COVID-19 complications, but the rental assistance program can stop that.

“New Yorkers should know, if you apply and qualify for this money, you will be protected from eviction for a solid year. Let me repeat, if you apply and qualify, you will not be evicted for a year,” Governor Hochul added.

Some cities and counties including Buffalo are getting additional assistance.  Buffalo recently received $50 million for housing assistance to cover back rent and utility bills.

Mayor Byron Brown has named the program  to aid tenants and their landlords...“Stand Up Buffalo,”

“The rental assistance that they need, able to get the utility payment assistance that they need and that landlords whose tenants have not been able to pay, get the assistance for their tenants that they need, so that they can recoup that money,” said Mayor Brown.

New York’s moratorium on evictions runs out next Tuesday, August 31. There is a federal moratorium is in place until October 3, but the courts have yet to rule on that.

For help applying for ERAP, call the 211 information line.