What is the Good Cause Eviction Law in New York and how does it affect landlords?
The Good Cause Eviction Law, signed into law in April 2024 and fully integrated by 2026, fundamentally changed the landlord-tenant balance in New York State.
What the Good Cause Eviction Law does:
- Requires landlords to have a legally valid reason ("good cause") to evict a tenant or refuse to renew a lease
- Applies to market-rate apartments that were previously unprotected
- Limits annual rent increases to 5% or the local CPI (Consumer Price Index), whichever is lower — for covered units
Which properties are covered:
- Most residential rental units in New York City with rents below a threshold (approximately $300 above the fair market rent)
- Buildings with 10 or more units statewide
- Newer construction (post-2009) is exempt for 30 years from the certificate of occupancy date
- Owner-occupied buildings with 10 or fewer units are generally exempt
Valid reasons for eviction under Good Cause:
- Non-payment of rent
- Violation of a substantial lease obligation
- Creating a nuisance or causing damage
- Using the unit for illegal activity
- Owner or immediate family member moving in (with strict conditions)
- Withdrawal of the unit from the rental market
What landlords must do differently in 2026:
- Include a Good Cause disclosure notice in all new leases
- Provide written notice of the reason for non-renewal
- Follow stricter documentation requirements for any eviction proceeding
All FAQs