Memo to NY lawmakers: You’ve left Gotham’s landlords in deep peril

When a rep for 25,000 building owners in the city testifies before lawmakers Tuesday on why the state has handed out so little of its $2.6 billion in federal rent-bailout money, he plans to point the finger right back at them. He’s got every right to do so.

“Lawmakers should look in the mirror because their politics and legislation caused New York state to be the last in the country to establish a [rent-relief] program — nearly six months after federal funds became available,” fumes Rent Stabilization Association President Joseph Strasburg. “Landlords and their tenants are frustrated beyond comprehension.” He says not even 1 percent of the available funds has gone out. One landlord submitted 700 applications, yet only eight were processed; another sent in requests for 200 separate payments and got just one, for $9,000.