Governor Hochul Announces $35M COVID-19 Rent Relief for NYCHA Tenants

On Thursday, October 17th, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new round of rent relief, with $35 million in state funding allocated to support New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) tenants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The aid aims to cover unpaid rent accrued from March 2020 to May 11, 2023, helping thousands of families maintain stable housing as they continue to recover from the pandemic’s economic challenges.

This funding, secured through collaboration between Governor Hochul and the State Legislature, will provide eligible NYCHA households with up to 12 months of rental arrears relief. It is part of a broader effort to assist New Yorkers who are still struggling financially due to the pandemic.

“We’re continuing to support vulnerable New Yorkers who were hit hard by the pandemic and helping to ensure families remain in their homes,” said Governor Hochul. “This funding builds on our efforts to provide meaningful assistance to NYCHA tenants with COVID-related rental arrears.”

NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt expressed her gratitude for the aid, emphasizing the long-standing need for rental support. “We’re so thankful to Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature for providing support that will bring both financial relief and stability to NYCHA residents,” she said.

This $35 million comes in addition to the $159 million already distributed through New York’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which has supported over 27,000 NYCHA households. The state’s commitment to rent relief includes $1 billion in state funding, allocated through the FY 2023 and 2024 budgets, to assist public housing residents, including NYCHA and Section 8 tenants.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie pointed out the significance of the relief, saying, “By covering up to 12 months of past-due rent, we’re helping NYCHA families find their footing again, allowing them to shift their resources toward other necessities.”

This financial aid helps residents manage rental debts and supports NYCHA’s broader efforts to rehabilitate and improve public housing. Governor Hochul’s administration remains committed to ensuring housing stability, particularly for those most affected by the pandemic.