News & Announcements

ERAP funds now expanded to middle-income renters

By Michael Littman, Partner -- Published October 1, 2021

Governor Kathy Hochul has now expanded the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to middle-income renters previously ineligible for rental assistance.

Reminder – Report Change in Ownership or Address to DHCR

By Michael Littman, Partner -- Published August 26, 2021

If there has been a change in the Owner/Managing Agent or a change in the address for the Owner/Managing Agent of a Rent Stabilized building, you are required to report this change to the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) within 30 days of the event.

HPD Deadline to Register is September 1, 2021

By Michael Littman, Partner -- Published August 25, 2021

Property owners of residential buildings are required by law to register annually with HPD if that residential property is a multiple dwelling (3+ residential units) or a private dwelling (1-2 residential units) where neither the owner nor the owner’s immediate family resides.

Supreme Court of the United States Temporarily Lifts Part of New York’s Eviction Moratorium

By Arun Perinbasekar, Partner -- Published August 16, 2021

On August 12, 2021, in a 6-3 decision in favor of Landlords, the United States Supreme Court issued an injunction against enforcement of Part A of the COVID Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act (“CEEFPA”). Part A of CEEFPA permitted tenants to file a self-certified COVID-19 hardship declaration which generally was not subject to challenge and prevented landlords from obtaining Court dates.

New Renewal Lease Form from DHCR

By Michael Littman, Partner -- Published July 1, 2021

The New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (“DHCR”) has issued a new Renewal Lease form (Form RTP-8 (6/21)) pursuant to RGB Order #53. This Rent Stabilized Renewal Lease form should be used for Renewal Leases commencing on or after October 1, 2021 and on or before September 30, 2022.

Proposed Legislation Seeks Radical Changes

By Michael Littman, Partner -- Published June 25, 2021

On June 7, 2021 a bill was introduced in the New York State Senate which may have a profound impact on the industry’s understanding of what is required to charge a “first rent” or obtain exemption following substantial rehabilitation. It has been long rumored that changes were to come. THE BILL IS NOT YET A LAW. However, it may become law in the near future.

RGB Adopts New Rent Increases

By Michael Littman, Partner -- Published June 25, 2021

On June 23, 2021, the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) approved new rent increases as follows:

Update on $2.4 Billion Dollar Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

By Michael Littman, Partner -- Published May 26, 2021

New York State’s COVID Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), will begin accepting applications on Tuesday, June 1, 2021.

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (“OTDA”) will administer the program and the funds are expected to start being disbursed at the end of June 2021.

Update on $2.4 Billion Dollar Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

By Michael Littman, Partner -- Published May 14, 2021

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (“OTDA) has issued a list of documents that will be required from building owners and tenants when they apply. Please note, the application portal is not yet available.

Welcome to New Associate – Jason Engelstein

By Michael Littman, Partner -- Published May 12, 2021

We are proud to welcome our newest associate, Jason Engelstein, to Sidrane, Schwartz-Sidrane, Perinbasekar & Littman, LLP.

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