Mayor Eric Adams is calling for an immediate infusion of funds for New York’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program from the United States Treasury Department. 

The mayor also announced new measures to support tenant protections and inform tenants of their rights, with significant outreach efforts.

“The federal government has the resources, and now it is time for them to take action with an immediate infusion of funds for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “New York has gotten the very short end of the stick, and I am joining Senator Schumer and Governor Hochul in demanding that change. In addition, I am encouraging everyone to take advantage of all the resources available to you, know your rights, and protect yourself against eviction.”

“The Covid-19 pandemic created a housing crisis leaving thousands of New Yorkers concerned about being evicted from their homes. With the state-wide eviction moratorium set to end this Saturday, we are making a push to improve access to free tenant support for all New Yorkers, regardless of lease or immigration status,” said Sheena Wright, deputy mayor for strategic initiatives. “Our Public Engagement Unit will fulfill the Mayor's promise of improving access to services and support by meeting tenants at their doors, on their phones, and in their communities to connect them to critical City services and help those facing eviction get access to free legal support.”

The mayor's office issued these reminders:

- Lockouts are illegal - nobody should self-evict.

- All tenants have the right to stay in homes unless they choose to leave or are evicted through a formal court process.

- Under NYC's right to counsel law, legal services are free and available to every person.

The mayor's office says emergency rental assistance funding is limited, but a pending ERAP application will provide temporary protection from eviction.

“Throughout the pandemic, our dedicated staff at DSS-HRA and our not-for-profit legal provider partners have done invaluable work connecting New Yorkers experiencing housing instability to the resources and services needed to stay in their homes. As we approach the looming expiration of the region’s eviction moratorium, this Administration stands ready to support any New Yorker who is facing eviction or behind on their rent, including through our City’s first-in-the-nation Right to Counsel program, which will help vulnerable New Yorkers fight unlawful evictions, keep their homes, and avoid homelessness altogether,” said Gary Jenkins, commissioner of the Human Resources Administration.

MORE: NY to end eviction ban, reopen rent relief site

Residents can call 311 for the tenant help line for assistance.