Community Updates
New Program: Landlord Ambassador Grant Program, Housing Council
The Housing Council at PathStone recently opened a new technical assistance and grant program for small landlords who own 9 or fewer units. The program is funded by Enterprise Community Partners.
Financial assistance is limited to support properties in the city of Rochester, and for any or all of the following uses:
- Vacant Property Reimbursement Repair - grant up to $5,000 per unit
- Code Violation Program - grants to fix any necessary violations.
- Eviction Prevention Program - financial resources to mitigate rent arrears.
Funding is limited, and the program will close on or before April 30th, 2022, so landlords are encouraged to apply soon.
Now Mostly Closed: NYS Emergency Rent Arrears Program (ERAP) and Landlord Rental Assistance Program (LRAP)
NYS is still accepting applications from landlords or tenants from all areas of the state on behalf of tenants with household incomes 80% to 120% of Area Median Income (e.g. $64,150 to $96,240 annually for a family of four). They have stopped taking applications for tenants under 80%.
The Landlord Rental Assistance Program (LRAP) is now closed and out of funding.
There is a chance the programs will be reallocated additional funding and any updates and additional info can be found here:
https://otda.ny.gov/programs/emergency-rental-assistance/\
Now Closed: Monroe County Emergency Rent Arrears Program, EPPI 2.0
Monroe County announced that the locally administered emergency rent assistance program EPPI 2.0 has stopped taking new applications as of 11/12 and is expected to be out of funding. Any applications that were already received will be processed and paid if found to be eligible and meeting all program requirements. Read the full press release here.
As of 12/1 the program has assisted over 6,000 tenant households and approved rent payments totaling over $30 million.
There is a chance the program is allocated additional funding and any updates will be provided to the community via these emails and through additional press releases from Monroe County.
Reminder: Eviction Moratorium Still In Effect
The NYS Eviction Moratorium was recently extended through January 15th, 2022. Currently, non-payment cases are paused for all tenants that have submitted a Hardship Declaration Form to their landlord and/or the court. Landlords are also required to provide this form to tenants when serving them with any demand for rent or official notice. However, a recent change in the law now allows Landlords file a challenge to the tenant's Hardship Declaration Form and schedule a hearing before a judge to review it with the tenant.
It is also important to note the moratorium only protects tenants in non-payment or expired lease eviction cases. All other eviction cases have resumed, including those regarding destruction to the unit, criminal activity, etc.
This information should not substitute professional legal advice, and it is advised that you consult an attorney on eviction matters. Please be advised, it is a misdemeanor to illegally evict or lock out a tenant. To learn more and download the Hardship Declaration Form in several languages, please visit: http://www.nycourts.gov/eefpa/
Key Housing Resources
- For general questions and advice on tenant and landlord issues, please call the Housing Council at PathStone. Hotline open Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm. (585) 546-3700
- For tenants that are behind on rent and in need of other support, please continue to direct them to call 211. Tenants will be screened for all of their needs and referred to any open programs. The 211 system now includes an option to receive a callback, so callers don't need to wait on hold. The 211 hotline is also open 24 hours, and the phone lines may be less busy late in the evening or early in the morning.
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