Call 911 to report commercial or residential property owners who lock out tenants, or who willfully deprive them of essential services such as electricity, heat, or water. Only a City Marshal or Sheriff is allowed to carry out a Warrant of Eviction.
Good Cause Eviction is a New York State law that went into effect on April 20, 2024. It gives some tenants of market-rate (also known as “unregulated”) homes in New York City new protections.
Property owners of homes covered by the new Good Cause Eviction requirements cannot end a tenancy without a “good cause” reason. These requirements include protections from:
- Eviction
- Refusal to renew a lease
- No notice to end a tenancy (if tenant does not have a lease)
The law applies to eviction cases that started on or after April 20, 2024.
Tenants can use this law:
- As defense in ҹȤ´«Ã½ Court
- To challenge rent increases above a certain level (if evicted for nonpayment of rent)
Under the Good Cause Eviction law, property owners are only allowed to end a tenancy for a “good cause” reason, including:
- Non-payment of rent (unless unreasonable rent increase)
- Tenant:
- Has broken any of their lease terms
- Committed or allowed a nuisance in the home
- Is using the home or property for illegal activity
- Tenant has refused the property owner access to the home to:
- Make repairs
- Show to a prospective buyer
- Property owner or property owner’s family member plans to move into the home
- (Not applicable if the home is occupied by a tenant who is 65+ years old or has a disability)
- Property owner plans to demolish the home or take the home off the rental market
- Tenant fails to agree to reasonable changes to the lease
Good Cause Eviction is enforced through ҹȤ´«Ã½ Court. If you wish to challenge the proposed end to your tenancy, or you have questions about a rent increase, the City’s Public Engagement Unit (PEU) Tenant Helpline is available to connect you to programs, legal assistance, and community resources.
Get Help
Online
By Phone
[E 12148 24/7]
[S 12149 24/7]
