BUFFALO, N.Y. — In response to feedback from landlords across New York, state lawmakers have made reforms to the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program, or CERAP, to add protections for property owners while ensuring tenants facing legitimate hardships are protected from eviction.

Senator Sean Ryan and Assemblymember Jon Rivera announced the changes Friday and what they will mean for Western New York, which has a unique housing market of older homes and double units that are commonly rented out. The new CERAP reforms are expected to bring about many changes to New York’s eviction moratorium, which was recently extended again until Jan. 15, 2022.

“The legislation we passed this week is being branded as an extension of the eviction moratorium, but it’s really not," said Senator Sean Ryan. "It’s a complete reimagining of the program.”

Changes to the program will now allow landlords to evict tenants who are considered nuisances and to challenge tenants’ hardship declarations. Also, the hardship fund has been increased from $100 million to $250 million in state funding; these funds go directly to landlords on behalf of tenants who either do not qualify for the federal money, tenants who don’t fill out applications, or tenants who have vacated a property, leaving the landlord to cover their expenses. These reforms are expected to level the playing field for both tenants and landlords struggling during the pandemic

“Tenants are still going to have the opportunity to be able to keep from being evicted while, at the same time, with the different programs that are in place, landlords are going to get the money that they’ve been waiting for and so richly deserve,” said John Hocieniec, attorney at Neighborhood Legal Services.

Unfortunately, many potential applicants may be unaware of funding available for them. Out of over $2 billion designated for rent relief in New York state, only $800 million have been distributed. Senator Ryan called on the Office of Temporary and Disability Services to send agents into communities to help expedite funds to those entitled to them.

Meanwhile, West Side Community Services, where the announcement was made, is one local institution helping landlords and tenants through the application process. Being uniquely situated in a diverse community with high rates of rented properties, the center helps cater to the needs of residents.

“We can provide access to translators or interpreters through other resources," said Crystal Selk, executive director of West Side Community Services. "We’re really a connecter, so we really try to increase access for anyone regardless of language here at the center."