Low-income New York tenants facing eviction in housing court will be guaranteed legal representation as part of a $93 million commitment from the city.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito announced the funds for universal legal access on Sunday.
The city started putting money toward legal help for low-income tenants in 2014 and is currently spending $62 million a year. The new money will be phased in over the next five years.
New Yorkers with incomes below about $50,000 will get free representation; those making more can get free legal counseling.
The city says 27 percent of those in housing court now have legal representation, compared to 1 percent in 2013. Evictions have gone down by 24 percent.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
