Gov. Cuomo extended the rent moratorium until August 20, meaning those who cannot pay their rent due to COVID-19 cannot face eviction before that date. However, a local property manager and tenant say there's still a lot of confusion with the order.

​Patrick Gallagher is president of Gallagher Property Management. It owns more than 700 units across Monroe County. He says the company has been doing its best to educate tenants about the eviction moratorium. 

"It goes until August, but only for those folks who cannot pay their rent due to COVID. And they have to prove that their situation has changed due to COVID, and in that case, the earliest you can file for evictions at this point is August 20," said Gallagher. 

While the moratorium protects tenants from being evicted, it doesn't erase the payments. Gallagher says they've been doing their best to work with tenants who have been affected by COVID-19. 

"We're really not getting any pushback that rent’s not due. Our residents know rent is due, and for those select cases that need extra time, we'll give extra time. And really the majority of our residents are paying rent. Overall we're down about 8 percent," said Gallagher. 

One of the tenants is Tanya Priester, who says she is fully aware that she still has to make payments, but knows people out there are still confused. 

"This situation is very hard and people are getting the wrong information. They're thinking they don't have to pay rent, but you do. You will be out August 21," said Priester.

Priester is a daycare provider who hasn't been able to work because of the pandemic, but has been paying rent. She has a message for tenants in the community who are still able to pay their rent. 

"Try to pay your bills and do the best you can and stay on top of it. I know it's hard for a lot of people and it's hard for my family, but we're doing the best we can and we're getting through it. And if everybody [does] their part, we will get through this fine," said Priester.