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40% of N.Y. Tenants May Not Pay Rent This Month. What Happens Then? 40% of N.Y. Tenants May Not Pay Rent This Month. What Happens Then?
(8 days later)
The true economic toll of all but shutting down New York City to stem the spread of the coronavirus is likely to become clearer on Wednesday when April rent is due.The true economic toll of all but shutting down New York City to stem the spread of the coronavirus is likely to become clearer on Wednesday when April rent is due.
In just a month’s time, the lives of millions of New Yorkers have been turned upside down, many of them losing their jobs and now worrying about paying their bills.In just a month’s time, the lives of millions of New Yorkers have been turned upside down, many of them losing their jobs and now worrying about paying their bills.
“It’s gotten to this point where I really cannot pay rent because doing so would jeopardize my ability to buy food or basically survive,” said Henry True, 24, a musician and freelancer who pays $600 a month for a bedroom in a shared apartment in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. “I’m really just holding on to whatever penny I have.”“It’s gotten to this point where I really cannot pay rent because doing so would jeopardize my ability to buy food or basically survive,” said Henry True, 24, a musician and freelancer who pays $600 a month for a bedroom in a shared apartment in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. “I’m really just holding on to whatever penny I have.”
No one knows for sure how many renters in New York City will have a hard time paying, but landlords and the real estate industry say they are bracing for perhaps as many as 40 percent of tenants, if not more, skipping their April payments.No one knows for sure how many renters in New York City will have a hard time paying, but landlords and the real estate industry say they are bracing for perhaps as many as 40 percent of tenants, if not more, skipping their April payments.
There are about 5.4 million renters in the city, about two-thirds of the population. If a large share of them cannot make rent, landlords, especially smaller ones that operate on small margins, will be unable to pay their own bills, property owners said.There are about 5.4 million renters in the city, about two-thirds of the population. If a large share of them cannot make rent, landlords, especially smaller ones that operate on small margins, will be unable to pay their own bills, property owners said.
“I’m trying not to panic,” said Christopher Athineos, whose family owns nine apartment buildings in Brooklyn with about 150 tenants. “In my lifetime and even my parents’ and grandparents’ lifetime, we have never seen anything like this.”“I’m trying not to panic,” said Christopher Athineos, whose family owns nine apartment buildings in Brooklyn with about 150 tenants. “In my lifetime and even my parents’ and grandparents’ lifetime, we have never seen anything like this.”
From New York City to Los Angeles to Seattle, renters across the country have organized rent strikes in recent days, calling on elected officials to provide immediate financial relief to tenants and threatening to withhold payments to landlords.From New York City to Los Angeles to Seattle, renters across the country have organized rent strikes in recent days, calling on elected officials to provide immediate financial relief to tenants and threatening to withhold payments to landlords.
The short answer: It depends.The short answer: It depends.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York has ordered a 90-day moratorium on evictions, a lifeline to people who cannot pay rent and are worried about losing their homes during the crisis. Other states have followed New York State’s lead, including California, which introduced a 60-day ban on evictions.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York has ordered a 90-day moratorium on evictions, a lifeline to people who cannot pay rent and are worried about losing their homes during the crisis. Other states have followed New York State’s lead, including California, which introduced a 60-day ban on evictions.
But that doesn’t wipe away that rent from having to be paid later on.But that doesn’t wipe away that rent from having to be paid later on.
Both tenant advocates and property owner representatives said renters who have lost their jobs should ask their landlords whether they could pay a smaller portion of the rent or work out a payment plan.Both tenant advocates and property owner representatives said renters who have lost their jobs should ask their landlords whether they could pay a smaller portion of the rent or work out a payment plan.
“Landlords should be able to take a little less, and there should be forbearance until tenants get their jobs back,” said Judith Goldiner, head of the Legal Aid Society’s civil law reform unit. “If people can pay, they should.”“Landlords should be able to take a little less, and there should be forbearance until tenants get their jobs back,” said Judith Goldiner, head of the Legal Aid Society’s civil law reform unit. “If people can pay, they should.”
Lauren, an actor and teacher who rents an apartment in the Ocean Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, said she worked out a payment plan with her landlord for April rent. She will pay $500 of her $2,400 rent due on Wednesday and then at least $200 in May, she said.Lauren, an actor and teacher who rents an apartment in the Ocean Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, said she worked out a payment plan with her landlord for April rent. She will pay $500 of her $2,400 rent due on Wednesday and then at least $200 in May, she said.
“If New York is on pause, our rent must be too,” Lauren, who agreed to share her story only if her surname was withheld, wrote in an email. “I’m one of the lucky ones, with (tenuous) employment and an understanding landlord, and I am still struggling to find a way forward.”“If New York is on pause, our rent must be too,” Lauren, who agreed to share her story only if her surname was withheld, wrote in an email. “I’m one of the lucky ones, with (tenuous) employment and an understanding landlord, and I am still struggling to find a way forward.”
The current economic crisis has all the ingredients to cause a collapse in the New York City real estate market, said Joseph Strasburg, the president of the Rent Stabilization Association, which represents 25,000 landlords in New York City.The current economic crisis has all the ingredients to cause a collapse in the New York City real estate market, said Joseph Strasburg, the president of the Rent Stabilization Association, which represents 25,000 landlords in New York City.
A significant drop in April rent payments would create an immediate domino effect and leave many landlords without enough money to pay their water and sewer bills for their properties, he said.A significant drop in April rent payments would create an immediate domino effect and leave many landlords without enough money to pay their water and sewer bills for their properties, he said.
Rent payments could drop even more drastically in May, Mr. Strasburg said, when tenants who lost jobs in March may have even less money to pay that month’s rent.Rent payments could drop even more drastically in May, Mr. Strasburg said, when tenants who lost jobs in March may have even less money to pay that month’s rent.
The largest annual bill for most property owners, real estate taxes, is due July 1. And property taxes make up about 30 percent of New York City’s revenue, which helps pay for basic city services.The largest annual bill for most property owners, real estate taxes, is due July 1. And property taxes make up about 30 percent of New York City’s revenue, which helps pay for basic city services.
“This will be devastating,” said Jay Martin, the executive director of the Community Housing Improvement Program, or CHIP, which represents about 4,000 landlords.“This will be devastating,” said Jay Martin, the executive director of the Community Housing Improvement Program, or CHIP, which represents about 4,000 landlords.
While the scope of the problem remains unclear, several recent surveys suggest a major crisis, though their methodology might not be rigorous.While the scope of the problem remains unclear, several recent surveys suggest a major crisis, though their methodology might not be rigorous.
A recent online survey by the website Property Nest found that roughly 39 percent of respondents said that they would be unable to pay rent if they lost their job during the coronavirus pandemic.A recent online survey by the website Property Nest found that roughly 39 percent of respondents said that they would be unable to pay rent if they lost their job during the coronavirus pandemic.
Officials at the Metropolitan Council on Housing, a tenants’ rights group, said an unscientific survey conducted of its members found that 77 percent of them would have a challenge paying rent in April, with 50 percent saying they could not pay it at all.Officials at the Metropolitan Council on Housing, a tenants’ rights group, said an unscientific survey conducted of its members found that 77 percent of them would have a challenge paying rent in April, with 50 percent saying they could not pay it at all.
A survey from March 20 to 22 by the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy found that 36 percent of respondents had a family member who had lost a job during the pandemic. About 44 percent of respondents said they would have trouble making their next rent or mortgage payments.A survey from March 20 to 22 by the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy found that 36 percent of respondents had a family member who had lost a job during the pandemic. About 44 percent of respondents said they would have trouble making their next rent or mortgage payments.
Michael Owens, a barista at an Upper West Side coffee shop, said he and his girlfriend rented a car about two weeks ago and drove to her parents’ house in Emmet County, Mich., where they have stayed in quarantine. They are responsible for a $2,500-a-month lease on a one-bedroom apartment in Upper Manhattan.Michael Owens, a barista at an Upper West Side coffee shop, said he and his girlfriend rented a car about two weeks ago and drove to her parents’ house in Emmet County, Mich., where they have stayed in quarantine. They are responsible for a $2,500-a-month lease on a one-bedroom apartment in Upper Manhattan.
He said he was applying for unemployment benefits to help pay the rent.He said he was applying for unemployment benefits to help pay the rent.
“We want to honor the commitment, and if I manage to get unemployment, I’d rather come out of this with a decent credit score and not bankrupt, so we’ll do our best,” Mr. Owens said. “If I can’t pay it, I can’t pay it.”“We want to honor the commitment, and if I manage to get unemployment, I’d rather come out of this with a decent credit score and not bankrupt, so we’ll do our best,” Mr. Owens said. “If I can’t pay it, I can’t pay it.”
While tenants will be protected for at least 90 days from eviction, landlords have not yet been provided similar protections. Mr. Cuomo has urged banks to waive mortgage payments for three months, but he does not have the authority to order them to do so.While tenants will be protected for at least 90 days from eviction, landlords have not yet been provided similar protections. Mr. Cuomo has urged banks to waive mortgage payments for three months, but he does not have the authority to order them to do so.
Other bills, such as water and sewer, have not been postponed.Other bills, such as water and sewer, have not been postponed.
“The banks aren’t going to let you off the hook,” said Mr. Strasburg, adding that the federal government should require banks to provide relief on mortgage payments.“The banks aren’t going to let you off the hook,” said Mr. Strasburg, adding that the federal government should require banks to provide relief on mortgage payments.
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
Some landlords have worked out payment plans with tenants, while others have said they cannot offer concessions because they face their own challenges.Some landlords have worked out payment plans with tenants, while others have said they cannot offer concessions because they face their own challenges.
Mr. Strasburg said landlords who have first-floor commercial tenants, such as restaurants, fear that those tenants too will not be paying rent in April. Landlord representatives said property owners also deserve a lifeline, including the option to defer utility payments and their property taxes.Mr. Strasburg said landlords who have first-floor commercial tenants, such as restaurants, fear that those tenants too will not be paying rent in April. Landlord representatives said property owners also deserve a lifeline, including the option to defer utility payments and their property taxes.
“There is a burden of financial responsibility that will fall on someone,” Mr. Martin said. “It’s not fair to fall onto tenants or building owners.”“There is a burden of financial responsibility that will fall on someone,” Mr. Martin said. “It’s not fair to fall onto tenants or building owners.”
Mr. Cuomo has changed the due date for filing state income taxes to July 15 from April 15, mirroring a delay by President Trump on the deadline to file federal taxes. The delay could provide renters with more money for other debts.Mr. Cuomo has changed the due date for filing state income taxes to July 15 from April 15, mirroring a delay by President Trump on the deadline to file federal taxes. The delay could provide renters with more money for other debts.
In addition, New York City has extended financial assistance programs to property owners worried about paying their real estate taxes and is waiving some late fees on business taxes.In addition, New York City has extended financial assistance programs to property owners worried about paying their real estate taxes and is waiving some late fees on business taxes.
The $2 trillion federal stimulus bill offers assistance specifically for renters and homeowners, though they are limited in most cases to people with federally backed or supported mortgages.The $2 trillion federal stimulus bill offers assistance specifically for renters and homeowners, though they are limited in most cases to people with federally backed or supported mortgages.
For instance, landlords with a mortgage insured or guaranteed by the federal government cannot evict a tenant for nonpayment for at least the next four months.For instance, landlords with a mortgage insured or guaranteed by the federal government cannot evict a tenant for nonpayment for at least the next four months.
The Real Estate Board of New York, the large trade association that represents developers, landlords and brokers, has created an online resource for its members on available federal and state assistance.The Real Estate Board of New York, the large trade association that represents developers, landlords and brokers, has created an online resource for its members on available federal and state assistance.
State lawmakers in New York have proposed a range of legislation to help renters and homeowners, including one bill that would suspend rent and mortgage payments for three months for some renters, property owners and small businesses.State lawmakers in New York have proposed a range of legislation to help renters and homeowners, including one bill that would suspend rent and mortgage payments for three months for some renters, property owners and small businesses.
Several borough presidents in New York City have proposed a plan to allow landlords to use their tenants’ security deposits as their April rent payment.Several borough presidents in New York City have proposed a plan to allow landlords to use their tenants’ security deposits as their April rent payment.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York said on Tuesday that any financial aid to property owners, such as a suspension of mortgage payments, must be offered to renters too.Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York said on Tuesday that any financial aid to property owners, such as a suspension of mortgage payments, must be offered to renters too.
Just promising renters that they will not be evicted is not enough, she said.Just promising renters that they will not be evicted is not enough, she said.
“You are creating a class and race issue, essentially rewarding and offering preferential treatment to landowners and folks that are more wealthy,” Ms. Ocasio-Cortez said in an interview on WNYC.“You are creating a class and race issue, essentially rewarding and offering preferential treatment to landowners and folks that are more wealthy,” Ms. Ocasio-Cortez said in an interview on WNYC.
Jonah Engel Bromwich contributed reporting.Jonah Engel Bromwich contributed reporting.