On May 19, 2020, Chief Administrative Judge Marks issued a Press Release wherein he announced that New York City Housing Court judges have begun to schedule virtual conferences in evictions matters that are already pending with the Court. The conferences are meant to facilitate settlements in an effort to reduce the current caseload as the judges are preparing for an influx of evictions cases following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The caveat for inclusion in this program is that both sides must be represented by counsel. Further, while consent from both parties is preferred, any party represented by an attorney can request that a conference be scheduled.

What does this mean for pending eviction cases in light of Executive Order 202.28? For any eviction pending, settlement discussions would not otherwise constitute enforcing the eviction as it is a means to resolve the case to the mutual benefit of both parties and discontinue the matter. Thus, it is our recommendation to review pending eviction matters for cases where tenants/occupants are represented, and begin settlement discussions.

For more information contact:

Attorney: Natalie A. Grigg, Esq.

Phone: 585-445-2610

Email: ngrigg@woodsdefaultservices.com