What Is Good Cause Eviction in NYC?

January 10, 2026

Imagine getting an eviction notice in NYC after years of reliable rent payments-what gives?

Tip: Want to sanity-check a specific address? Search it on Building Health X to see recent heat/hot water, pests, noise, safety and violations across 30/90 days, 1 year and 3 years.

That's where Good Cause Eviction comes in, a vital protection shielding tenants from unjust ousters amid the city's sky-high rents.

We'll unpack its legal definition, landlord requirements like valid reasons and notices, tenant rights to cure and relocation aid, the latest 2024 bill buzz, and how it stacks up against standard evictions. Stick around to see if it covers you!

What Is Good Cause Eviction?

Good cause eviction refers to New York City's proposed Local Law 55 requiring landlords to prove a legitimate reason before evicting tenants from rent-stabilized or market-rate apartments, unlike current 'at-will' terminations. This tenant protection aims to end arbitrary evictions and no-fault evictions in most units. It builds on existing housing laws to promote housing stability.

Before good cause rules, landlords could issue a notice to vacate without justification, leading to holdover proceedings in NYC Housing Court. Local Law 55 would cover [rent stabilized](/blog/how-do-i-know-if-my-nyc-apartment-is-rent-stabilized) and market-rate apartments, excluding certain owner-occupied buildings. Tenants gain stronger eviction defense against wrongful eviction.

The proposal responds to NYC's housing crisis, where displacement affects many renters. It requires good cause required for lease non-renewal or eviction, like non-payment or nuisance. Landlords must provide proper notice, such as 30 day notice or 90 day notice, depending on tenancy length.

Experts recommend tenants document issues like HPD violations to counter potential nuisance eviction claims. This shift aligns with broader rent reform NYC efforts, including source of income protections. Understanding these rules helps avoid illegal eviction or self-help eviction tactics.

Legal Definition

Under proposed NYC Local Law 55, good cause eviction means landlords must demonstrate 14 specific reasons, like non-payment or nuisance, before terminating tenancies in covered units. These reasons come directly from the NYC Council Bill text. Some allow immediate eviction, while others require a cure period.

Here are the 14 good cause reasons with practical examples:

Non-payment eviction after a 3-day notice to pay, such as missed rent leading to a money judgment.
Lease violations or substantial breach, like unauthorized sublet, with a chance to cure unless repeated.
Nuisance behavior, including 3+ HPD violations or noise complaint eviction, often requiring prior warnings.
Illegal activity on premises, such as drug-related issues, allowing immediate eviction.
Refusal of reasonable rent increase after lease expiration.
Landlord's need for family member eviction, like using the unit for a child, with relocation assistance.
Illegal sublet or roommate eviction beyond occupancy limits.
Tenant no longer qualifies as primary residence.
Denial of access for repairs or essential services eviction, like heat hot water violation.
Retaliatory eviction defenses do not apply, but harassment claims protect tenants.
Multiple lease breaches after cure periods.
Failure to sign a new lease without good reason.
Successor tenant issues or succession rights disputes.
Other court-approved causes under landlord tenant law.

Immediate evictions apply to severe cases like illegal activity, while others need a cure period, such as 10 days for non-payment. Tenants can challenge defective notice in court via motion to dismiss.

Historical Context in NYC

NYC's eviction landscape changed dramatically with the 2019 HSTPA, eliminating most no-fault evictions in rent-stabilized units, but market-rate tenants remained vulnerable until good cause proposals emerged. The Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 ended vacancy deregulation and high rent vacancy deregulation. It strengthened tenant protections across rent regulated apartments.

Pre-2019, at-will evictions were common in month-to-month tenancy or after fixed term lease expiration. Landlords issued 30 day notice freely, leading to many holdover proceedings. The HSTPA introduced just cause eviction elements for stabilized units, like requiring good cause for non-renewal.

In 2021-2023, similar good cause bills failed, but the 2024 Local Law 55 push gained traction via the good cause coalition. This includes efforts by Councilmember Chi Oss and Speaker Adrienne Adams. It addresses gaps for market-rate renters facing gentrification eviction or excessive rent hike pressures.

Research suggests no-fault evictions drove much displacement, as noted in NYU Furman Center analysis. The good cause package now seeks displacement prevention citywide, covering ETPA and Mitchell-Lama housing. Tenants should consult legal aid society or urban justice center for eviction defense amid these evolving housing laws.

Key Requirements for Landlords

Landlords attempting good cause evictions face strict procedural hurdles including specific notice periods and documented justification before filing in Housing Court. These rules under NYC's housing stability act protect tenants from arbitrary eviction in rent stabilized and certain market-rate apartments. Failure to meet them often leads to case dismissal.

Landlords must prove a valid reason with evidence like court judgments or permits. They also need to serve proper eviction notices well in advance. This process ensures tenant protection while allowing legitimate evictions.

Common pitfalls include vague notices or missing proof, triggering motions to dismiss. Experts recommend consulting NYC Housing Court rules or legal aid before proceeding. Proper compliance avoids delays in holdover proceedings.

These requirements apply to most units covered by local rent law, excluding NYCHA or certain co-ops. Landlords should document everything meticulously. This upholds landlord tenant law balance in New York City.

Valid Good Cause Reasons

NYC's good cause framework lists 14 provable reasons including refusal to sign renewal lease after 60 days, documented nuisance, or illegal subletting. Each requires specific evidence to succeed in court. Landlords must show clear proof tied to the reason.

Here are the main valid reasons with evidence needs:

Nonpayment: After a 3-day rent demand notice and court money judgment.
Nuisance: Three or more substantiated complaints, like police reports for noise or threats.
Family use: Owner or immediate family needs the unit as primary residence, with affidavit.
Demolition or rehab: HPD or DOB permits proving major work.
Refusal to sign renewal: Tenant ignores lease offer for 60+ days without good reason.
Illegal sublet: Proof subtenant lacks landlord approval or successor rights.
Substantial breach: Repeated lease violations, like unauthorized pets after warnings.
Criminal activity: Convictions or arrests tied to the unit.
Refusal of reasonable rent increase: Offer within RGB guidelines for rent regulated apartments.
Occupancy limits exceeded: Evidence of overcrowding beyond legal standards.
No primary residence: Tenant spends minimal time in unit, proven by mail or utility records.
Harassment: Documented tenant actions against landlord or neighbors.
Essential services denial: Tenant blocks heat, water, or repairs repeatedly.
Succession denial: No valid family or roommate succession rights under local law 152.

Not good cause examples include rent increases alone, personal dislike, or minor annoyances. For instance, a single noise complaint does not qualify as nuisance eviction. Courts reject cases without strong evidence, protecting against retaliatory eviction.

Required Tenant Notice

Landlords must serve written Notice of Termination 60-150 days before court filing, specifying exact good cause with supporting evidence. This predicate notice complies with RPAPL 232-a for NYC tenancies. Improper notices lead to dismissal in Housing Court.

Notice periods vary by tenancy type:

Month-to-month: 60 days before termination date.
One or two-year leases: 60 days after lease expiration.
Two-year plus leases: 90 days after expiration.

Sample notice language: "You are hereby notified that your tenancy will terminate on [date], 60 days from service, for good cause: nonpayment of rent as per judgment dated [date]. Evidence attached includes court order and affidavits." Include exhibits like photos or complaints. Serve via personal delivery, mail, or affixing if needed.

Common defects causing dismissal: Missing evidence exhibits, wrong service method, or vague reasons. For example, failing to attach HPD permits voids a demolition eviction. Landlords should use certified mail for proof and avoid self-help like illegal lockouts.

Tenant Protections

Good cause laws provide tenants multiple defense layers including cure periods, relocation payments, and court challenges to landlord claims. These tenant protections in NYC aim to prevent arbitrary evictions under the Housing Stability Act and local rent laws. Tenants in rent-stabilized or rent-regulated apartments gain strong safeguards against no-fault or fault-based actions.

For instance, landlords must prove good cause eviction in Housing Court, such as substantial lease breaches or owner occupancy needs. Tenants can file motions to dismiss defective notices or challenge harassment claims. This structure promotes housing stability and limits displacement in New York City.

Key elements include right to cure for fixable issues and mandatory relocation fees for no-fault cases. Courts scrutinize landlord petitions closely, often requiring proper predicate notices like 30-day or 90-day warnings. These rules apply to holdover proceedings and nuisance evictions alike.

Tenants facing eviction should document everything, from 311 complaints to HPD violations, and seek legal aid from groups like the Legal Aid Society. Experts recommend joining tenant associations for collective bargaining power. This layered approach deters wrongful evictions and supports long-term tenancy.

Right to Cure Violations

Tenants get 10-30 days to fix most curable violations (like lease breaches or minor nuisances) after receiving notice, potentially dismissing the eviction. Curable issues include one-time problems such as unauthorized sublets or pet policy breaches. Landlords must serve a proper eviction notice specifying the cure period.

Non-curable violations, like criminal activity or repeated nuisances, skip the cure phase and proceed directly to court. For example, a single noise complaint eviction might allow cure, but ongoing disturbances trigger immediate holdover proceedings. Tenants can argue substantial breach claims lack merit in NYC Housing Court.

To enforce cure rights, file an Order to Show Cause within 10 days of the landlord's petition, proving compliance. This motion practice can stay eviction and lead to dismissal if cured timely. Courts often favor tenants who act quickly on repairs eviction denials or essential services issues like heat violations.

Practical advice: Photograph fixes and keep receipts for lease renewal disputes or roommate eviction attempts. Consult tenant advocacy groups for guidance on motion timelines. These steps strengthen defenses in civil court eviction cases and prevent marshal evictions.

Relocation Assistance

Landlords must pay tenants 3 months' rent (or $7,500 minimum) for no-fault good cause evictions like owner occupancy or demolition. This tenant relocation fee applies to family member evictions or sublet-related cases without fault. Payments break down as one month's rent immediately, with the balance due within 30 days of vacatur.

Exemptions occur if tenants reject a reasonable comparable unit offered by the landlord. Recent 2024 proposals suggest higher minimums, like $12,500 for high-rent units in rent-regulated apartments. Similar laws in cities like San Francisco and Portland require these fees to ease displacement.

In NYC, this ties into broader good cause package reforms, protecting against gentrification evictions by corporate landlords. Tenants should demand written fee agreements before vacating to avoid illegal lockouts. Courts enforce these via motions if landlords delay payments.

Actionable tip: Negotiate buyout offers or cash for keys as alternatives, but verify amounts match law. Track via HCR or DHCR for rent overcharge ties. These protections bolster housing justice and reduce eviction proceeding timelines for vulnerable renters.

Recent Legislative Changes

NYC Council's good cause package advanced through committee in December 2024, with a final vote pending early 2025 under Speaker Adrienne Adams. This package aims to expand tenant protection by requiring landlords to show just cause for evictions in most market-rate apartments. It builds on existing rent stabilization laws to prevent arbitrary evictions.

The legislation targets housing stability amid rising rents and displacement risks. Landlords of rent regulated apartments already face similar rules, but this extends protections to unregulated units. Tenants facing no-fault eviction could gain relocation assistance if passed.

Opposition from landlord groups highlights concerns over landlord responsibilities and investment impacts. Tenant advocates push for stronger eviction defense options. Track progress via NYC Council updates for changes to eviction laws.

Practical impacts include limits on lease non-renewal without cause and caps on reasonable rent increases. Tenants should review their lease renewal terms now. This could reshape NYC Housing Court proceedings if enacted.

2024 Good Cause Bill Status

Intro-554A/B (good cause eviction) passed the Housing Committee 8-4 on Dec 9, 2024, with a full Council vote scheduled for January 2025. Introduced in February 2024, it faced a public hearing in September with extensive testimony. Amendments in December raised relocation fees to support displaced tenants.

Key exemptions protect new construction under 30 years old and small landlords with fewer than 10 units. These changes balance tenant rights NYC with owner needs. Companion bill Int-144 introduces an anti-speculation tax on frequent sales.

February 2024: Bill introduction by Councilmember Chi Oss and good cause coalition.
September 2024: Public hearing drew diverse speakers on housing crisis NYC.
December 2024: Committee approval after tweaks to tenant relocation fee structure.
January 2025: Expected full Council vote under Speaker Adrienne Adams.

Live tracking available via NYC Council Legistar #Int-0554-2024. Tenants can prepare by documenting primary residence proof and joining tenant associations. Landlords should assess portfolios for compliance with potential good cause required rules.

How It Differs from Standard Evictions

Unlike standard holdover evictions requiring only lease expiration notice, good cause eviction demands landlords prove legitimate reasons with evidence in court.

In New York City, standard evictions allow landlords to end tenancies without justification after proper notice. Good cause rules, part of recent housing laws, protect tenants in rent stabilized and many market-rate apartments from arbitrary eviction. This shift promotes tenant protection and housing stability.

Landlords face stricter requirements under good cause, including longer notices and cure periods. Tenants gain rights to challenge proceedings in NYC Housing Court. These changes stem from efforts like the Housing Stability Act to curb displacement.

A side-by-side comparison highlights key differences in process and outcomes. The table below draws from 2023 NYC Housing Court data to show timelines and success factors clearly.

Feature	Standard Holdover Eviction	Good Cause Eviction
Notice Period	30-60 day notice	60-150 day notice
Justification Needed	No justification needed	14 provable reasons required
Tenant Rights	Limited cure rights	Tenant cure rights included
Landlord Success	High win rate in court	Lower eviction success rate
Court Timeline	45 days typical	90+ days typical

This table shows how good cause eviction extends protections. For example, a tenant facing lease expiration in a standard holdover gets just 30 days, but good cause might allow 90 days plus time to cure issues like late rent. Tenants should document everything to defend against holdover proceedings.

Who Qualifies for Coverage

The good cause eviction law covers all NYC tenants except owners of 1-2 family homes, new construction under 30 years, and apartments renting over $5,000 plus 20% of median income. This tenant protection applies broadly to promote housing stability. Tenants in rent-stabilized units gain expanded rights under the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019.

Rent-regulated apartments qualify if they fall under HSTPA expansions. Market-rate units meet criteria when household income stays below 150% of area median income, roughly $78,000 for many areas. Owners of single-family homes or post-1994 condos face no coverage.

Use this eligibility checklist to assess your status:

Rent-stabilized or HSTPA-expanded units: Covered.
Market-rate with income under rent threshold: Covered.
1-2 family homes owned by tenant: Not covered.
New condos or buildings under 30 years: Not covered.

Check DHCR records for your building by searching the Division of Housing and Community Renewal database with your address. Reference bill section 26-1202 for exact definitions of covered housing. This ensures you know if good cause protections apply before a lease renewal or eviction notice.

Exemption Calculator Formula

Calculate exemptions using the formula: Rent exceeds $5,000 or 20% above NYC area median income, adjusted yearly. Buildings completed after January 1, 2009, or under 30 years old qualify as exempt new construction. Single-family homes and owner-occupied 1-2 family units skip coverage entirely.

For example, if your rent hits $5,500 and income surpasses the threshold, you may not qualify. Apply the formula step-by-step: First, confirm building age via property records. Then, compare rent to the current median income cap set by housing authorities.

Landlords cannot use arbitrary reasons for eviction in covered units, but exemptions protect certain high-rent or new builds. Tenants in pre-2009 multifamily rentals typically qualify fully. Verify with DHCR to avoid surprises in holdover proceedings.

DHCR Lookup Instructions

Visit the DHCR website and enter your building's address in the rent registration search tool. Results show if your apartment is rent-stabilized or regulated under HSTPA. This quick check confirms coverage under good cause rules.

Look for details like last registered rent and owner information. If unregistered, it may still qualify as market-rate under income limits. Print or save results for use in NYC Housing Court if facing an eviction notice.

For succession rights or primary residence disputes, DHCR records prove tenancy history. Tenants in Mitchell-Lama housing or ETPA units often find clear coverage here. Contact NYS Homes and Community Renewal for help interpreting results.

Enforcement and Legal Recourse

Tenants challenge illegal good cause evictions through Housing Court motions, Legal Aid Society representation, and HPD harassment complaints with $10,000+ penalties. These steps help enforce tenant protection under the Housing Stability Act. Landlords face strict rules for just cause eviction in rent-stabilized units.

In NYC Housing Court, tenants can file motions to dismiss defective eviction notices. For example, a 30-day notice missing required details often leads to dismissal. Courts prioritize proper notice in holdover proceedings.

Legal Aid offers free counsel for low-income renters facing arbitrary eviction. They assist with order to show cause filings to pause evictions. Tenants with representation see higher success in defending rights.

HPD handles harassment claims, imposing fines for illegal lockouts or pressure tactics. Tenants report via 311 for quick response. This process strengthens eviction defense against bad faith landlords.

7-Step Defense Roadmap

Follow this 7-step roadmap to build a strong defense against good cause eviction in NYC. Each step targets common landlord errors under landlord tenant law. Start immediately upon receiving notice.

Verify proper notice and file a traverse hearing if defective, like missing predicate details for lease non-renewal.
Prove cure if applicable, such as fixing a substantial breach within the grace period for nuisance claims.
Contact Legal Aid Society at 212-577-3300 for free representation in rent-regulated apartments.
File an order to show cause to stay the eviction and challenge in Housing Court.
Submit HPD 311 complaint for harassment, like threats or essential services denial such as heat violations.
Refer to Attorney General for systemic issues, including corporate landlord patterns.
Appeal to Appellate Division if the lower court rules against you, preserving tenant rights.

Tenants with counsel achieved 62% success rates in 2023 cases, per available data. Use this sequence for holdover proceedings or non-payment defenses. Document everything for court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Good Cause Eviction in NYC?

Good Cause Eviction in NYC refers to a proposed and recently enacted protection under local law that limits landlords' ability to evict rent-stabilized or market-rate tenants in certain buildings. It requires landlords to have a "good cause," such as non-payment of rent, lease violations, or illegal activity, to terminate a tenancy, aiming to prevent arbitrary evictions amid the city's housing crisis.

What qualifies as 'good cause' under Good Cause Eviction in NYC?

Under Good Cause Eviction in NYC, valid good causes include substantial rent non-payment (after notice to cure), repeated lease violations, illegal use of the unit, refusal of reasonable access for repairs, disturbing neighbors' quiet enjoyment, or the landlord's intent to demolish or substantially renovate. Personal reasons like selling the property or moving in do not qualify without additional justification.

Does Good Cause Eviction in NYC apply to all rental apartments?

No, Good Cause Eviction in NYC primarily applies to market-rate apartments in buildings with more than 10 units built before 2009 that are not already rent-regulated. It does not cover rent-stabilized units (already protected), new constructions post-2009, owner-occupied buildings with few units, or condos/co-ops. Check the specific law for exemptions.

How does Good Cause Eviction in NYC protect tenants from rent hikes?

Good Cause Eviction in NYC ties eviction protections to rent increase limits: landlords can raise rents annually up to 8.82% (or 3% plus CPI, whichever is higher) without cause, but must prove "good faith" negotiations or comparable market rents for larger hikes. Tenants can challenge excessive increases in court.

What is the current status of Good Cause Eviction in NYC?

As of 2024, Good Cause Eviction in NYC has passed the City Council and been signed into law by Mayor Adams, but implementation is phased. It builds on state tenant protections and applies to new leases after a certain date. Tenants should monitor official NYC HPD or DOB sites for effective dates and full rollout.

How can tenants enforce Good Cause Eviction rights in NYC?

Tenants can enforce Good Cause Eviction in NYC by responding to eviction notices in Housing Court, providing evidence against the claimed 'good cause,' or filing complaints with the city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). Legal aid from organizations like the Legal Aid Society or tenant unions is recommended for disputes.