COVID-19 Updates

HGAR Offices Reopen by Appointment Only

We are excited to announce that HGAR offices are now open, but on a limited basis. Please note that walk-ins cannot be accommodated at this time and visitors by appointment only. Please call (914) 681-0833 to make an appointment. Click Here for Information on visiting HGAR Offices.

01/03/2022: Applications Now Being Accepted For $539-Million NYS Homeowner Assistance Fund

Governor Hochul announces applications now being accepted for the $539 million New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund for eligible homeowners at risk of default, foreclosure or displacement.

The program builds on commitment to provide economic relief for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers financially impacted by the pandemic, helping keep them in their homes.

Online application portal available in ten languages at www.nyhomeownerfund.org or contact the NYS Homeowner Assistance Fund call center to apply at 1-844-77-NYHAF

12/21/2021: NYC Enacts Vaccine Mandate for In-Person Business

Brian Levine, Esq. In-House Counsel/Director of Legal Services & Professional Standards Administrator for the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, reports that the New York City Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene has enacted a vaccine mandate for New York City relating to those persons that conduct in-person business or interact with the public.

Effective Dec. 27, 2021, any Realtor that conducts business in New York City must now provide proof of vaccination to their brokerage.

• This rule applies to agents that do business in New York City, even though their office may be located outside of New York City.
• This rule applies to employees, as well as independent contractors.
• A “workplace,” for purposes of this rule, includes any location in New York City where you work in the presence of at least one (1) other person. Property showings and open houses would be deemed a workplace.
• Any brokerage situated within New York City must prohibit persons from entering their workplace who are unvaccinated, with the exception of those entering for a brief, limited purpose.
• For those who have a single dose of a two-dose vaccine, proof of the first dose must be provided and proof of a second dose must be provided 45 days later.
• Reasonable accommodations for religious or medical reasons may be permitted.
• A copy of the proof of vaccination or a record of the proof of vaccination must be maintained by the brokerage.

NYC has provided a webpage with information on compliance as well as an informative FAQ. You can find that information here.

12/10/2021: Masks Mandate

On Friday, December 10, 2021, Governor Hochul announced that starting 12/13/21 masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement.  The mandate is in effect until January 15, 2022, after which, the State will reevaluate based on current conditions at that time.  The Department of Health has issued guidance that states that an “indoor public place” is any indoor space that is not a private residence.

HGAR currently does not have a vaccine mandate; therefore, all employees, members, and persons of the public who come to an HGAR office, facility, event or other HGAR-sanctioned activity must wear a mask unless eating, drinking or alone in a closed office space.  (NOTE: Persons who participate in HGAR-sanctioned activities will also have to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test performed within the past 48 hours of the scheduled activity).  Brokerages will need to make their own business decision to either institute a vaccination mandate or require all persons to wear a mask when required.

REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY AND MASK MANDATE
As this new mask mandate applies to Realtor activity (open houses, showings), NYSAR has indicated that the fact that business is being conducted on the premises at an open house or showing would make that location subject to the mask mandate Order (this is similar to the application of the HERO Act to open houses and showings).  Therefore, it would be up to the owner/landlord to determine whether they will require proof of vaccination or if everybody will be required to wear a mask.  If the homeowner/landlord requires proof of vaccination, then all agents must take appropriate measures to verify proof of vaccination.  If a homeowner/landlord requires proof of vaccination and a buyer or buyer’s agent refuses or fails to provide proof, those parties may be turned away.  Additionally, please be advised that all HERO Act protocols shall also remain in full force and effect.