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Q&A
Exploring reasons for non-payment of rent in NYCHA properties
0:33:19
ยท
81 sec
Chair Chris Banks inquires about the reasons why some NYCHA tenants are not paying rent, leading to a discussion on the challenges faced by residents in managing their arrears.
- Lescott-Martinez clarifies that many tenants are trying to keep up with new monthly charges but struggle with existing arrears.
- The average arrears of $8,000 is difficult for low-income families to manage.
- Payment plans allow tenants to pay up to 40% of their income (instead of the usual 30%) towards rent and arrears.
- Programs like Home ARP, ERAP, and COVID rental arrears are crucial in helping tenants reduce their arrears.
- Banks suggests some residents may be withholding rent due to lack of services, which Lescott-Martinez neither confirms nor denies.
Chris Banks
0:33:19
What would you how do what do you think is the reason why our tenants are not paying right?
Annika Lescott-Martinez
0:33:24
Well, I don't think it's fair to say they're not paying.
0:33:27
Think
Chris Banks
0:33:28
Well, I mean there are situations where tenants are not paying right because of the services.
Annika Lescott-Martinez
0:33:33
I think what we've seen at least is that when we look at the monthly collection our tenants are trying to keep up with the new charges every month and where they're struggling is on the rent arrears.
0:33:43
So if you are you know a low income family, you make $30,000 owing you know $8,000 is difficult.
0:33:52
And our payment plans you can only pay up to 40% of your income for 30 you know as opposed to 30% normally.
0:33:59
So it will take a family a considerable number of years to pay down an $8,000 balance.
0:34:05
That's why home ARP is important, that's why ERAP is important, that's why COVID rental arrears is important.
0:34:11
If we apply those large programs, we hope that it'll bring the arrears down for our tenants and those monthly payments that they make they'll be able to catch up again.
Chris Banks
0:34:20
Would you agree that there are some residents who are withholding rent because of lack of service?
Annika Lescott-Martinez
0:34:25
I do not know of that circumstance but it could be possible.
Chris Banks
0:34:28
Okay.
0:34:30
We are gonna move on to my colleagues who have questions, and we're gonna start with council member Brewer.