The New York Housing Conference released a new report examining eviction trends in subsidized affordable housing and outlining a coordinated policy response to stabilize tenants, strengthen building finances and reduce long-term public costs. 

Subsidized affordable housing accounts for a substantial share of eviction filings. Cases are lengthy, arrears increase over time and public expenditures rise as intervention is delayed. 

Eviction Trends in Subsidized Affordable Housing

In 2024:

  • 43,000 of 120,000 eviction filings (36%) were in subsidized housing.
  • 38,133 nonpayment filings had a median arrears amount of $4,587 at filing.
  • 13,890 households were issued warrants and 1,866 were executed (5% of filings).
  • By comparison, 9,305 households obtained affordable housing through Housing Connect.

Duration and Cost of Nonpayment Cases

Nonpayment cases can take over 406 days from filing to warrant execution. Arrears accumulate during this period, and the median $4,587 at filing often increases substantially before resolution. The average one-shot in 2024 was $9,700, more than double the median arrears at filing. Delayed intervention increases per-household costs.

Policy Framework: Prevention and Court-Based Diversion

Recommended NYC administrative actions for early prevention:

  • Issue eviction prevention guidance to owners.
  • Send escalation letters to tenants before court filing.
  • Prioritize one-shot processing for affordable housing.
  • Establish an Affordable Housing Stability Coordinator at HRA.
  • Adjust rent burdens for extremely low-income households in HPD term sheets.

Affordable Housing Stability Court Part

The New York Housing Conference is calling on the State to fund an Affordable Housing Eviction Diversion Initiative to prevent eviction and stabilize tenants while quickly resolving arrears for building owners in New York City. For cases that proceed to court, a dedicated diversion initiative would:

  • Identify eligible cases at filing.
  • Intervene during the 45-day adjournment period.
  • Provide dedicated case management staff.
  • Include on-site HRA staff authorized to process assistance.
  • Coordinate with Right to Counsel.

Read the full report here.

The report was covered this morning in the Gothamist. See the story here.