Many families across the city are facing the devastating loss of loved ones due to the COVID-19 crisis. In addition to the emotional trauma and stress, if a family member who is the primary leaseholder of the apartment moves out or passes away, the family members who remain in the home may be vulnerable to harassment and eviction.
But there are succession rights that allow families in public housing and rent-stabilized, rent-controlled, and Mitchell-Lama apartments to pass on their homes. The succession process is long and complicated, but critical for making sure families are not displaced after losing a loved one. This week we’re highlighting some resources that might be helpful for those navigating this difficult process.
The project we made with Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A and design studio Everyday We can help navigate the succession process so families can keep their homes. Pass It On! breaks down the succession rights in easy to follow steps. It’s available for free here in English and Spanish!
And for families living in NYCHA, we have an additional resource created in collaboration with Housing Court Answers and designer Boyeon Choi. Keep Your Family’s Home is available for free in English and Spanish here
Our friends at Community Action for Safe Apartments in the Bronx have also been organizing workshops on succession rights and other urgent tenant rights during COVID-19. Check out their campaigns and Know-Your-Rights trainings here!