Lots of landlords in New York State had a rough couple of years in 2020 and 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic stopped almost all evictions around the state. But this year, in 2022, data shows that evictions are back in action, although not at the same levels they were at in 2019, prior to the pandemic. Compared to other states, New York has pretty strict rules about evictions and the legal process to kick a tenant out.

In New York State, an eviction of a tenant is lawful only if an owner has brought a court proceeding and obtained a judgment of possession from the court. A sheriff, marshal, or constable can carry out a court ordered eviction. An owner may not evict a tenant by use of force or unlawful means.

Even though New York offered tenants and landlords assistance through the New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program many landlords were still unhappy. Some landlords said some tenants wouldn't apply for the program, making it hard for them to collect rent. The program helps low- and moderate-income tenants pay their rent and utility payments.

There have been 19,956 total city and district court warrants of eviction filed in 2022, compared to only 5,226 in 2021.

Without any COVID-19 eviction protections in place in 2022, it looks like evictions are back in full swing across the state, but these 7 counties have the most, so far this year.

7. Queens County (Queens) - 947

6. Monroe County (Rochester) - 953

5. Westchester County (Yonkers/White Plains) - 1,366

4. Nassau County (Hempstead) - 1,420

3. Suffolk County (Long Island) - 1,484

2. Kings County (Brooklyn) - 2,264

1. Erie County (Buffalo) - 2,743

Get our free mobile app