With many New Yorkers out of work during the COVID-19 pandemic, the question becomes this: how can unemployed workers pay their monthly rent?

Approximately 58% of New York City residents pay rent, and do not own propertyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. With unemployment numbers increasing, this rent issue becomes less of a hypothetical and a very real problem for manyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. In response, Senator Michael Gianaris has released a proposal that would forgive rent and mortgage payments for 90 daysGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The proposal aims to relieve the burden on landlords, tenants, and small businessesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

While legislation was passed earlier this month suspending evictions, tenants are still expected to pay back landlords for payments missedGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Many believe that no additional intervention to protect tenants will lead to a larger number of displaced residents and shuttered businessesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Currently, Senator Gianaris’ bill has more than 20 co-sponsors despite Governor Cuomo’s insistence that the issue has been resolved through the suspension on evictionsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. What do you think: should rent be halted for the next 90 days, or should rent payments be suspended altogether? Let us know what you think belowGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.