Vacate orders are intended to protect New Yorkers and put pressure on landlords to restore the buildings. “The problem is that, if nothing else is done, the vacate order just sits there, and the landlords can take their sweet time,” Josephson said. DisplacementWhen an order to vacate is issued, tenants often have very little time, if any, to gather their belongings and leave. The length of time a vacate order is in effect depends on the damage and the landlord's ability to rehabilitate the property. In addition to the full-building vacate order, some floors were asbestos-ridden, further limiting access.