Landlords in New York have issued objections about proposed “good cause” eviction bills that they believe would endanger their ability to make money renting out their properties. These bills, which have been circulating in the New York State Assembly, would significantly restrict landlords’ ability to evict tenants, as well as potentially limit the extent to which landlords could increase rents. Tenant advocates, meanwhile, are pushing for the bills in the face of what they consider to be abusive practices by landlords.
What is “Good Cause” Eviction?
“Good cause” eviction refers to the idea of protecting tenants from being evicted from their apartments without good cause. This means, in essence, that a tenant could not be evicted before their lease expires without some kind of serious violation of their lease agreement, such as the failure to pay rent or other unauthorized activities. A landlord would need to prove the tenant violated their lease before they could commence an eviction, slowing down the process substantially.
Why Do Tenant Advocates Want to Pass Good Cause Eviction Legislation?
Advocates for tenants’ rights have been hoping to pass good cause eviction laws for many years, in the face of what they consider to be arbitrary and capricious practices by landlords. Landlords will often find excuses to push tenants out of their apartments; especially ones they find objectionable. These landlord actions may leave many tenants constantly searching for affordable apartments, while landlords continue to raise rents to maximize their income from their rental properties.
Why Do Landlords Want to Prevent This Legislation From Being Passed?
Landlords, meanwhile, steadfastly oppose good cause eviction laws, because the laws would make it harder to remove problem tenants. The landlords argue that the courts are already backed up with outstanding cases due to COVID-19, which could result in taking a year or more in some cases to evict a tenant in violation of their lease. In addition, Landlords are concerned that these laws could hurt their ability to earn reasonable profits from their rental income if they are stuck with bad tenants who scare off those who are less likely to cause problems.
How Could This Affect You?
If you are a tenant, the right to a good cause eviction could protect you against abuses by landlords. However, even without this legislation, you still have rights in the event you face eviction. That is why you should make sure to speak to a lawyer with experience handling landlord-tenant disputes, who can assist you with your case and help you to exercise your legal rights.
The attorneys at Hobson-Williams, P.C. understand the sensitive nature of landlord tenant matters. Whether you’re a tenant facing abuse or eviction from your home, or a landlord dealing with a difficult tenant, the firm’s legal professionals will work to protect your rights and resolve the matter quickly. Contact our office today at (718) 210-4744 for a consultation.
Written by Tanya Hobson-Williams
Appointed to the bench by the Board of Trustees in 2008, and elected in 2009, Tanya Hobson-Williams was the first African-American Female Justice in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead. Tanya Hobson–Williams obtained her B.A. in Government and Politics from St. John’s University and her law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
Tanya Hobson-Williams has an active elder law practice assisting senior citizens in obtaining Medicaid for Home Care and Nursing Home Care. She routinely lectures at senior citizen centers, assisted living facilities, law schools and counsels families on a variety of topics of concerns to families caring for the elderly.
