Albany moves forward with eviction protection program

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Albany County voted down an eviction protection program for tenants back in March. The measure was just one vote short. On Tuesday, the county passed a new version of those protections.

Albany County Legislature decided to move forward with the Eviction Prevention Intervention Collaborative (EPIC) program. It’s meant to address rent affordability. 

It was first introduced by Albany County Legislator Sam Fein in 2022, the same year the New York State Comptroller’s Office found nearly 38.9 percent of New Yorkers were rent burdened, meaning they spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent.

“It just really exemplifies how much people are struggling. We have a housing crisis. We don’t have enough housing, especially affordable housing. Rents are going up. Inflation, of course everyone’s feeling that and we’re seeing the impacts. And if we don’t take action in local governments, then we’re not really doing our job. So that’s why we stepped up to do something,” said Fein.

It was initially meant to address disparities in eviction court by ensuring tenants had legal counsel during those civil proceedings.

“I wish it happened sooner but you know there’s still a great need, probably an even greater need now,” said Fein. “I’m just very happy that we’re able to provide the assistance that people need and know it’s going to make a difference in peoples’ lives.”

The version passed on Tuesday night – crafted by Chair Joanne Cunningham and Deputy Chair Wanda Willingham – replaces legal counsel with an advocate. That means renters won’t have a lawyer representing them in eviction court, but they will have some assistance during the process. Fein said it will help people stay in their homes. 

“People are struggling to pay their bills. This program is going to provide rental arrears to people who are behind on the rent, which is also money that goes to landlords so it helps make them whole. So it’s really a win-win for everyone,” said Fein.

He said, to get the program passed they had to go back to the drawing board and come up with a version that would gain the support of those who were opposed.

“I do think that something needs to be achieved here, but I also believe it needs to be done in a very fair and balanced manner so that everybody benefits,” said Albany County Legislator Alison McLean Lane.

She had some concerns with the first iteration of the program that was voted down on March 12. 

“Yes. And sadly, I was a deciding vote, which was a very hard thing to do. I understand completely the hardship that people are going through when it comes to rentals,” said McLean Lane.

“We had some differences, I have my disagreements with some people. I would’ve liked the original version to have passed, but ultimately, I think we all care about this issue. We all recognize that there is a major problem when it comes to affordable housing, when it comes to evictions and homelessness,” said Fein.

The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York and the Alternatives to Economic and Housing Displacement Inc. (AEHD) are the two entities that submitted Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and were approved.

Both were authorized to enter into an agreement with the county to provide services related to EPIC. The Legal Aid Society will receive $151,581 and AEHD $60,000.

In addition to the $211,581 in the fund used countywide, the City of Albany has committed to provide $100,000 to be used exclusively in the city for rental arrears assistance. However, the county funds will be used countywide, including in the City of Albany.

Fein said priority will be given to people below certain income levels, but the Legal Aid Society will set the exact specifications.

Going forward, they both agree on one thing…“I think it is a first step to address the issues with housing,” said McLean Lane…They said this is only the beginning. “We’re working on other solutions because we recognize this is a much larger problem that needs a comprehensive approach,” said Fein.

County Executive Dan McCoy still has to sign off on the legislation, but it is expected to be in effect soon.