Eviction Prevention Funds: New York Tenant Guide 2024

Staying in your home becomes especially challenging if unexpected circumstances put your rent at risk. In New York, eviction prevention funds and rental assistance programs offer help for tenants facing financial hardship or the threat of eviction. Whether you’re struggling to pay rent or have already received a notice from your landlord, understanding your rights and available support can make a vital difference.

Understanding Eviction Prevention Funds in New York

New York State provides several rental assistance programs designed to help tenants avoid eviction. These programs offer funding for owed rent, utility payments, and legal help. If you've lost income, faced an emergency, or have received an eviction notice, you may be eligible for support through state or city programs.

Key Assistance Programs for New York Tenants

• Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): Helps tenants catch up on rent and utility arrears caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• One-Shot Deal Program (NYC Human Resources Administration): Provides emergency funds for rent arrears or upcoming rent when facing imminent eviction.
• Homebase Homelessness Prevention: Local offices offer support and resources to keep tenants stably housed in New York City.

Program eligibility usually depends on income, current rental arrears, and your risk of displacement. Always check for current application status and requirements through the official program websites.

How to Apply for Rental Assistance in New York

If you’re behind on rent or have received an eviction notice, taking prompt action is important. Here’s how renters can typically seek help:

• Gather documentation: Proof of income, lease agreements, and overdue rent notices.
• Visit the NYS Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) portal to check status or find new updates.
• For NYC tenants, the One Shot Deal program is accessed via the NYC Human Resources Administration. You can apply online or at a local HRA office.
• Reach out to Homebase for homelessness prevention services within New York City.
• Call the New York City Housing Court for legal referrals or to learn about protections during the eviction process.

Submitting an application often triggers a hold on eviction proceedings, buying you time to resolve payment or paperwork issues.

Eviction Notices, Forms, and Your Rights

If your landlord begins the eviction process, there are important tenant protections and required legal steps under New York State law. You must generally receive an official notice (such as a 14-day "Rent Demand" notice) before an eviction court case can be started.

• Notice of Petition and Petition (Nonpayment Eviction): These forms begin a formal eviction case if you have not paid rent. You will receive them in person or by mail, along with instructions for your court date.
  Example: If you receive a Notice of Petition and Petition, you should respond by appearing in Housing Court or contacting legal services immediately.
  View official form and guidance
• Order to Show Cause (OSC): If you need to delay an eviction or ask the court for more time, you may file this form in Housing Court. This is often used to pause an eviction after judgment, while you seek rental assistance.
  Example: If you get a marshal’s notice that you will be evicted in 14 days, you can file an Order to Show Cause to request extra time.
  See Order to Show Cause instructions
• ERAP Application: Not strictly a court form, but when you apply to ERAP, you receive a confirmation. This may protect you from eviction for rent owed during covered periods if your application is pending or approved.
  Example: File your ERAP application promptly and inform the court or marshal in your housing case to delay eviction.
  Check ERAP info and application

The tribunal responsible for residential evictions is the New York City Housing Court (for NYC) or your local County/Town Court (outside NYC). New York state tenants are protected by the New York State Real Property Law: Tenant Rights, which requires fair notice and sets forth eviction procedures.^[1][2]

What to Do If You Receive an Eviction Notice

Time is critical if you are facing eviction. Here are essential steps:

• Apply for eviction prevention funds or assistance right away.
• File an Order to Show Cause if your eviction is imminent or your application is pending.
• Communicate clearly with your landlord, court, and any rental aid agencies about your situation.
• Get legal help from state, city, or nonprofit organizations.

FAQ: Eviction Prevention for New York Renters

1. Who is eligible for eviction prevention funds in New York?
   Most programs help tenants with financial hardship, loss of income, or risk of eviction. The specific criteria depend on your income, family size, and reason for arrears.
2. Does applying for ERAP or rental assistance stop my eviction?
   Yes, if a case is for nonpayment and your ERAP application is pending, eviction can be paused for covered periods. Notify the court and marshal about your application.
3. What if I already received a Marshal’s Eviction Notice?
   File an Order to Show Cause in Housing Court as soon as possible to request more time and tell the judge about your rental assistance efforts.
4. Where can I find official eviction or court forms?
   Forms such as the Order to Show Cause and Notice of Petition are available on the NY Courts CourtHelp resource.
5. Is rental assistance available outside New York City?
   Yes, ERAP is statewide, and many county Departments of Social Services offer emergency rental aid. Contact your local office for details.

Conclusion: Stay Protected with the Right Steps

• New York renters have access to eviction prevention and rental assistance funds if they act quickly and use the right forms.
• Always respond to legal notices, communicate with agencies, and get help if needed.
• Following official procedures and knowing your rights under New York law improves your chances of staying housed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NYS Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)—Statewide tenant aid
• NYC One Shot Deal Program
• New York Courts Tenant Resources (CourtHelp)
• NY State Real Property Law: Tenant Rights
• NYC Housing Court—Find your borough’s location
• Call 311 for housing information and referrals in NYC, or your county's Department of Social Services outside NYC

---

^[1] New York State Real Property Law: Tenant Rights
^[2] New York City Housing Court—Eviction and housing case procedures

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations