Senator Anthony Palumbo: Eviction Moratorium Extension Will Eviscerate New York Property Owners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, September 1, 2021

CONTACT: Chris Stazio, 518-221-9460, stazio@nysenate.gov

 Senator Anthony Palumbo (R, C-New Suffolk) today condemned the extension of the state’s eviction moratorium to January 15, 2022, noting that it will place additional and undue hardships on Long Island’s suffering property owners.  

“The extension of the eviction moratorium combined with the state’s complete failure to adequately disburse billions in federal rental assistance funds is an immeasurable blow to New York’s struggling property owners and tenants,” said Senator Palumbo. “Once again, Albany politicians are putting radical policy proposals ahead of good public policy initiatives that would actually help New Yorkers get through these difficult times.”

“Property owners are in the business of managing property, maintaining the property, and collecting rent so tenants can reside comfortably," said Senator Palumbo. “As we sit here today, businesses are open, restaurants are open and everyone else is allowed to be back in business—so when are we going to allow property owners and landlords to get back to business?” 

“Extending the moratorium simply kicks the problem down the road, instead of providing a solution to these hardships.  If the Democrats would let evictions proceed and provide assistance for tenants in the courtrooms by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (who already is charged with helping tenants), we would keep tenants in their units, and get property owners paid. That’s a win-win, but, unfortunately, the new Governor wants to show off her progressive chops and effectively cancel rent.  It’s appalling and will devastate the real estate market,” concluded Senator Palumbo.

Senator Palumbo, who tested positive for COVID-19 early this week despite being vaccinated, was unable to attend today’s Extraordinary Session as he was under mandatory quarantine.