What is the Good Cause Eviction Law in New York?

It’s a law that requires landlords to have a legally valid reason (“good cause”) before refusing lease renewals or evicting tenants from most unregulated rental units.

What qualifies as a “Good Cause” for eviction?

Examples include failure to pay rent, substantial lease violations, nuisance behavior, illegal use of the unit, and landlord’s personal occupancy.

How can landlords ensure compliance with this law?

Landlords should consult a landlord-tenant attorney, review lease agreements, and follow proper notice and eviction procedures to avoid legal risks.

Mediation vs Lawsuit: NYC Contract Dispute Attorney Guide

The landscape of landlord-tenant law in New York is constantly evolving, and property owners need to stay informed to safeguard their interest and to avoid expensive legal disputes. One of the most important current changes impacting residential landlords is the Good Cause Eviction Law, which went into effect in April 2024. At Ssutton Law Firm, we are seeing its profound impact, and as your committed landlord-tenant attorney, we’re here to provide clear guidance on what this means for you.

This law fundamentally alters the dynamic between landlords and tenants in many unregulated units, mainly in New York City. Gone are the days when a landlord could simply choose not to renew a lease anymore without a good reason. Now, most evictions require “good cause”. For any landlord-tenant attorney in NYC, understanding these nuances is paramount, and for landlords, it’s the key to compliance and successful tenancy management.

What is the Good Cause of Eviction? The Core Principles

The main goal of the Good Cause Eviction Law (Real Property Law Article 6-A) is to make things more stable for tenants by limiting “no-fault” evictions and stopping rent hikes that are too high. This is what every landlord should know:

Requirement for “Good Cause” to Evict:

Landlords generally cannot evict tenants or refuse to renew their leases without a legitimate, legally defined “good cause”. This applies to most unregulated rental units.

Tenant’s Right to Renew:

Covered tenants now have a right to renew their leases, provided they abide by the terms and the landlord doesn’t have a “good cause” for non-renewal or eviction.

Rent Increase Limitations:

The law also sets a limit on “unreasonable” rent increases. In general, a rent rise that is more than 10% or 5% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the region (which for New York City has been around 8.79% as of early 2025) is thought to be unfair. If a landlord seeks to evict for non-payment in which the rent increase was unreasonable, the tenant can use Good Cause Eviction as a defense.

Mandatory Notice Requirements:

Landlords must give tenants certain notices about whether or not Good Cause Eviction applies to them. This is especially true for renewal leases, notices of non-renewal, notices of rent increases of more than 5%, 14-day rent demands, and Notices of Petition in eviction cases. These notices have become obligatory from August 2024.

What Constitutes “Good Cause” for Eviction?

While the law aims to defend tenants, it does provide landlords with valid reasons for eviction. Here are some of the key “good causes” as described by the law:

Failure to Pay Rent:

This remains a number one reason for eviction, unless the unpaid rent results from an “unreasonable” rent increase.

Violating a Substantial Lease Term:

If a tenant breaches an important term of their lease (e.g., unauthorized occupants, vast property harm, illegal interest), and fails to “cure” or fix the violation within 10 days of receiving notice, this can constitute good cause.

Nuisance Conduct:

Engaging in continual nuisance conduct that significantly interferes with the comfort or protection of others inside the building or neighborhood.

Illegal Use of the Unit:

Using the rental unit for illegal purposes.

Unreasonable Refusal of Landlord Access:

If the tenant unreasonably refuses the landlord access to the unit for necessary repairs, inspections, or to show the apartment to potential tenants or clients (with proper notice).

Owner Occupancy/Personal Use:

In specific, narrowly described situations, a landlord may be able to get their property back for their own personal use or that of a close family member, as long as certain conditions are met (for example, there is no other suitable vacant unit and there are restrictions for elderly or disabled tenants).

Demolition or Withdrawal from Rental Market:

If the owner has a genuine, good-faith intention to demolish the construction or completely withdraw the housing accommodation from the rental market.

Refusal to Agree to a Reasonable Lease Renewal:

If a landlord offers a reasonable and timely lease renewal, and the tenant refuses to sign it.

Who is Covered and Who is Exempt?

It’s crucial to understand that not all rental units are covered by the Good Cause Eviction Law. Exemptions exist, and knowing about them is important for any landlord-tenant attorney advising clients. Key exemptions consist of:

Rent-stabilized or rent-controlled units already have their personal eviction protections and are not covered.
Public housing (NYCHA) and subsidized units are generally exempt.
In buildings with 10 units or fewer, if the owner lives within the building, the units may be exempt. Additionally, “small landlords” who own 10 units or fewer throughout New York State can also be exempt, even though the specific definitions can vary slightly depending on the municipality.
Newly constructed buildings are exempt for a restricted duration (generally 30 years).
Co-ops and condominiums are generally exempt.
Sublets, where the sublessor seeks to get the unit for personal use.
Units where occupancy is only tied to employment, and that employment has ended.
In a few municipalities, units with monthly rents above a certain percentage of the fair marketplace rent may be exempt.

Guidance for Landlords: Navigating the New Era

As a landlord in New York, navigating the Good Cause Eviction Law requires vigilance and proactive legal counsel. Here’s how Ssutton Law Firm can help:

Lease Review and Drafting:

Ensure your leases are up to date with the new notice requirements and it should reflect the implications of Good Cause Eviction.

Compliance Audits:

We can evaluate your current practices to discover any areas of non-compliance and assist you to implement essential modifications.

Rent Increase Strategy:

Understand the “unreasonable” rent increase thresholds and develop an approach for rent changes that minimize legal risks.

Eviction Guidance:

If an eviction turns out to be necessary, we can guide you through the method, ensuring all “good cause” requirements are met and proper notices are served, providing strong representation as your Landlord Tenant Attorney.

Dispute Resolution:

We provide strategic advice and representation in all landlord-tenant disputes, aiming for efficient and favorable results, whether via negotiation or litigation.

Your Trusted Landlord Tenant Attorney in NYC

The Good Cause Eviction Law represents a tremendous shift in New York’s housing landscape. For landlords, understanding its intricacies aren’t just about avoiding consequences; it’s about fostering stable tenancy, managing with your property effectively, and defending your valuable assets.

At Ssutton Law Firm, our experienced landlord-tenant attorneys are devoted to presenting complete and up-to-date legal guidance to property owners throughout New York. We stay abreast of each legislative exchange and court ruling, making sure our clients acquire the most informed and effective representation possible.

Don’t allow the complexities of Good Cause Eviction to leave you exposed. Partner with Ssutton Law Firm to make sure you are completely compliant and your interests are protected. Contact us these days for a consultation – we are ready to be your trusted legal partner in New York’s evolving real estate market.