Sweeping new protections for renters took effect in Albany this month, aiming to stop landlords from forcing out tenants without proper justification or hitting them with excessive rent hikes. But the new "Good Cause" eviction rules are already sparking concerns from both tenants and property owners.

What You Need To Know

  • It guarantees lease renewals for eligible tenants who pay rent on time and follow lease terms.
  • Rent increases are limited to 10% or the rate of inflation plus 5%, whichever is lower. Landlords must justify hikes above these caps.
  • Tenants are covered if renting from landlords owning more than one unit, in buildings constructed before 2009. Some exceptions apply.
  • The law aims to prevent "economic evictions" by stopping landlords from forcing out tenants with excessive rent hikes.
  • While praised by tenant advocates, some landlords argue the rent caps could make operating rentals unprofitable long-term if costs rise faster.

After years of advocacy, New York passed "Good Cause" eviction protections in April. The city of Albany then opted into the law, though the mayor has yet to officially sign it.

The law guarantees lease renewals for eligible tenants who pay rent on time and follow lease terms. It also limits rent increases to 10% or the rate of inflation plus 5%, whichever is lower.

"When the budget negotiations were taking place on April 8, I think my landlord let me know that they wouldn't be renewing my lease," said Canyon Ryan, who is facing eviction. "They don't have to give cause. When I asked, they said we decided to go a different direction with the unit."

Ryan, who heads the non-profit United Tenants of Albany, said while the law comes too late for his situation, "it will go a very, very long way for tenants who need it."

To be covered, tenants must rent from landlords owning more than one unit, in buildings constructed before 2009. Renters paying over 345% of fair market rent or living in subsidized housing are excluded.

The law aims to stop what advocates call "economic evictions" — landlords pushing out long-term renters with repeated, excessive hikes.

"Good Cause protects communities, keeps them stable," said state Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal. "It allows people who cannot afford huge rents to stay where they live because the rents are capped."

While landlords can still raise rents above the thresholds, they must justify operating cost increases to tenants. Some property owners have been outspoken about the challenges legislation like this presents.

"The problem is as an operator, I can't have any guarantee my expenses stay flat," said landlord Chris Kausner. "Taxes can go up a lot very suddenly and insurance costs can unexpectedly double."

However, other landlords say being upfront with tenants about the need for increases can make the law work.

"We looked at the rent, it was low, and we just had a frank conversation. 'Hey, can you afford to go up to this?'" said landlord Christian Green. "It's still below market rate, but it helps me cover higher costs."

Green also noted the importance of tenant retention, saying, "The main goal is to have tenants. We don't want a lot of turnover."

While the state's eviction protection law sets a framework, Rosenthal said cities can tailor some provisions. "Good Cause provides a framework, but a locality can change conditions under which it applies so they can tailor it to their communities," she said.

Albany's Good Cause eviction bill still needs to be signed by the city's mayor.