"In Bronx Housing Court, Judge Krzysztof Lach presided over nearly 60 eviction cases as more than a dozen individuals waited outside in cold weather for their appearances. Inside the courtroom, cases accumulated while landlords and tenants, many meeting their attorneys for the first time, worked to reach last-minute agreements or request additional time to secure assistance. The process has led to delays lasting several months, during which tenants face increasing rent balances, unresolved apartment conditions, and the possibility of eviction."
"A report from the New York City Comptroller found that active eviction cases increased by roughly 440% after the moratorium ended, while tenant representation rates fell to about 30% in March, even though nearly 89% of tenants with legal counsel remained in stable housing. The report also highlighted high staff turnover at legal-services organizations and reductions in city staffing, which slow rental-assistance processing and extend court timelines."
Judge Krzysztof Lach handled an extremely crowded Bronx Housing Court calendar with nearly 60 eviction cases while dozens waited outside in cold weather. Many landlords and tenants met attorneys for the first time and sought last-minute agreements or additional time, producing months-long delays that increase rent balances, leave apartment conditions unresolved, and heighten eviction risk. Policy changes, pandemic effects, and staffing reductions widened the gap between legal protections and court outcomes. Active eviction cases rose roughly 440% after the moratorium ended, while tenant representation fell to about 30%, and staff turnover and reduced city staffing slowed rental-assistance processing. The Bronx bears a disproportionate share of filings tied to neighborhood poverty, concentrating caseloads in local courthouses.
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