BY: SAMATHA LORISTON
The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is grappling with a staggering $80 billion in repair needs while also facing rising evictions and growing rent debts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On September 18, 2024, City Council Public Housing Committee Chair Chris Banks raised concerns about whether NYCHA is doing enough to support its residents, especially as funding from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) continues to fall short.
Banks noted that while many market-rate renters received help during the pandemic, public housing residents did not, leading to increased rent arrears. NYCHA officials, including Chief Operating Officer Ava Trimble, testifying at the hearing, stressed their commitment to keeping evictions low. “Eviction is always our last resort after we have exhausted all other ways to resolve tenant issues,” Trimble said.
The NYCHA officials said they are reaching out to residents through door knocks, letters, and phone calls, and offering payment plans to help them manage their arrears. They also encourage tenants to update their income information during recertification to ensure rent is based on current financial situations. However, Chief Financial Officer Annika Lescott-Martinez acknowledged that operating without stable funding makes it difficult to keep up with repairs.
When Banks asked about strategies for collecting rent and supporting residents in arrears, Trimble reiterated their focus on keeping people housed. “We have payment plans and encourage residents to come into the office and work with us,” she said.
Councilmember Pierina Ana Sanchez raised concerns about how NYCHA is handling tenant recertification, noting that many constituents were not receiving termination letters even as deadlines approached. She pressed for clearer communication but received vague answers. Sanchez also called for an audit of the Office of Impartial Hearings to ensure proper procedures were followed, but NYCHA did not provide a clear response.
Sanchez expressed frustration when asking about recertification timelines for Section 8 tenants, as Trimble admitted they did not have that information readily available. This was concerning, especially since many NYCHA tenants are currently in rent arrears.
Councilmember Darlene Mealy called for more transparency regarding denied rental assistance applications, highlighting that understanding these denials is crucial to prevent tenant displacement. She criticized NYCHA for possibly outsourcing important responsibilities, which could harm residents, and urged better coordination with social services.
As the meeting wrapped up, Banks emphasized that NYCHA’s future relies on increased public investment and ongoing support for tenants. While NYCHA plays a vital role in providing affordable housing, its ongoing issues with repairs and rent debt raise significant concerns about its effectiveness.