"Landlord's Last-Ditch Effort: Applying for Hardship Program in Gentrified Queens Neighborhood"
"Landlords wise up to the futility of applying for NY's hardship program, except for one bold attempt in 2024."
Despite the New York State Division of Homes and Community Renewal only receiving three applications for the state's hardship program in 2024, one landlord in a rapidly gentrifying Queens neighborhood refuses to give up hope. Zohran Mamdani, who previously claimed that more landlords would apply if they were truly suffering, would likely be disappointed in the low number of applicants.
According to a spokesperson for the state Division of Homes and Community Renewal, the reason behind the lack of applications is not a lack of actual hardship, but rather the "terrible design and inadequacy" of the program. Landlords have learned that it is not worth their time and effort to apply.
However, one landlord seems determined to give it a try, despite the odds being against them. The program, which was designed to provide relief to landlords facing financial hardship, has only received three applications in the past year, leaving many to question its effectiveness.
The landlord's bold attempt to apply for the program may be seen as a last-ditch effort to save their struggling business. But with the increasing gentrification of the neighborhood, it's uncertain if the program will even provide the necessary relief.
Accurate, fact-checked rewrite of the article.
https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2025/08/29/landlord-applies-in-vain-for-hardship-program-approval/