Legal Services NYC, in partnership with the Law Office of Daniel F. Pepitone, PLLC, announced “A Commercial Tenant’s Guide to Landlord Disputes: Understanding Court Procedure and Answering Petitions or Complaints in NYC,” a new guide to help small business owners defend themselves against eviction following the expiration of New York’s eviction moratorium on August 31, 2021.
More than a year since the beginning of the pandemic, small businesses in New York are still reporting a decrease in revenues, sales, or receipts. Nearly 78 percent of small businesses (with less than 500 employees) surveyed reported an overall negative impact in their business in the first week of March 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Experts expect a major wave of displacements and foreclosures after New York’s eviction moratorium expires, posing serious economic and health risks to New York’s commercial tenants.
An eviction can occur in a matter of days if a landlord obtains a favorable judgment and eviction warrant from a court. Currently, while the moratorium is in effect, landlords cannot evict commercial and residential tenants who are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But once the moratorium expires, eviction proceedings which have been on pause will be permitted to resume in court. New York lawmakers have proposed a bill to extend the moratorium until October 31, 2021, but it is unclear whether the government will do so.
This essential guide gives small business owners comprehensive information about the process for lawsuits in New York courts for eviction, debts, and other civil issues. It includes important information about court documents, filing deadlines, and common defenses and counterclaims.
Legal Services NYC is also offering free legal consultations to income-eligible New York commercial tenants who have received eviction notices from their landlords. Individuals must schedule an appointment with an intake officer by contacting the Citywide Legal Assistance Hotline at 917-661-4500.
For more information, visit https://www.legalservicesnyc.org/.
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