Rochester residents reminded of pandemic eviction protections
Written by Site Hub on April 24, 2020
On Thursday, April 16, the New York Attorney General Letitia James reminded all New York residents including those in Rochester that they are protected from eviction during the SARS-CoV-2 crisis. All evictions have been suspended to at least June 19, 2020. Even if a warrant for eviction currently exists, constables, sheriffs, and marshals aren’t permitted to evict residents.
AG James also reminded residents that landlords aren’t allowed to perform any type of illegal actions to force residents out of their rentals, such as shutting off utilities, making verbal threats, changing locks or increasing their rent. They aren’t permitted to discriminate in any way against tenants or anyone who lives with them that tested positive recently or in the past for SARS-CoV-2. Landlords can only increase rental payments during a lease renewal. In month-to-month and market-rate scenarios, landlords can’t charge an increased rate until tenants re-sign their lease agreements. Additionally, if a new rate goes above five percent, a landlord must give written notice.
If a landlord attempts to evict a Rochester resident illegally during the crisis, they need to contact law enforcement via 911 and provide proof of address using a utility bill or identification. They should also contact code enforcement at (833) 503-0447. Anyone who believes that their landlord is discriminating against or threatening them should contact AG James’ office at (800) 771-7755 or civil.rights@ag.ny.gov.
https://www.whec.com/news/new-york-tenants-rights-coronavirus-pandemic-eviction/5702680/
