On April 20, 2024, a significant change came to New York’s landlord-tenant laws with the passage of the Good Cause Eviction Law (“Good Cause”). This wide-sweeping law affects rental housing in New York City and offers potential expansion into villages, towns, or cities across the state. Colbert Law LLC is here to provide clarity on the law’s requirements and implications for landlords. Our cooperative and condo boards are thrilled by the specific exclusion of cooperatives and condos from the law, but other landlords not excluded will have to comply with this tenant friendly law.
Key Points of Good Cause Eviction
- Limits on Evictions: Landlords now face restrictions when seeking to remove tenants. Evictions require “good cause”, as defined by the law (see below). A court order is required for removal, even if due to non-renewal of a lease.
- Rent Increase Regulation: Rent increases exceeding a certain threshold are presumed unreasonable. Landlords must justify larger increases, with property tax increases, significant repairs, and other factors considered by the court.
- Mandatory Notices: All leases (new and renewals) and other key notices must include a “Good Cause Eviction Law Notice.” Even exempt housing units need this notice, explicitly stating the exemption.
What is “Good Cause”?
The law defines specific grounds under which a landlord can pursue eviction:
- Non-payment of rent (unless deemed “unreasonable”)
- Significant lease violations
- Nuisance behavior
- Property damage
- Illegal use of the premises
- And other specific scenarios (full list in the original law)
Exemptions: Important for Landlords to Understand
Good Cause does not have universal coverage. Key exemptions include:
- Units with monthly rent exceeding 245% of HUD-designated Fair Market Rent.
- Buildings owned by landlords with 10 or fewer units within New York State.
- Owner-occupied buildings with 10 or fewer units.
- Units already under rent regulation.
- Units designated as affordable housing through specific programs.
- Buildings with a Temporary/Permanent Certificate of Occupancy issued after January 1, 2009 (exemption lasts for 30 years).
- Cooperatives and condos
Opt-in for Areas Outside NYC
Villages, towns, and cities elsewhere in New York can choose to adopt Good Cause. They may establish their own rent thresholds for exemptions
