Mayor de Blasio Signs COVID-19 Relief Bills into Law

On May 26, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed a package of COVID-19 relief bills into law during New York City’s first ever virtual bill signing. One bill, Intro. 1936-A, expands the definition of “tenant harassment” to protect tenants from threats based on status as an essential employee or being impacted by COVID-19.

Two other bills affect owners of residential buildings with commercial storefronts. Intro. 1932-A and Intro. 1914-A temporarily prevents the enforcement of personal liability provisions in commercial leases or rental agreements involving COVID-19 impacted tenants and makes it a form of harassment to attempt or threaten to enforce personal liability provisions on the COVID-19 impacted tenant.