Why Yonkers Has Some of the Strictest Rental Property Rules in the State

Yonkers maintains 114 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with rental property rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Yonkers falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Just Cause Eviction

New York enacted statewide Good Cause Eviction on April 20, 2024. Yonkers proposed opting in via a new local Chapter 41 (Prohibition of Eviction Without Good Cause) to extend protections citywide.

Key details: State law: GCE 4-20-2024. Local law: Proposed Chapter 41. Rent ceiling: Lesser of 10% or 5%+CPI. Exempt: Post-2009 build, small LL.

Tenants can raise Good Cause as a defense in Yonkers Housing Court; improper non-renewals blocked by the court.

Compared to other cities, Yonkers takes a harder line on just cause eviction. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Rental Registration

All owners of multiple dwellings in Yonkers must file a building registration statement with the Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Buildings, including owner/agent contact and a 24-hour phone number.

Key details: Filed with: Yonkers DHB. Required info: Owner, agent, 24-hr phone. Applies to: Multiple dwellings. Posting: Owner info on premises.

Unregistered properties face DHB citations; repeat failure is a Class II violation with fines starting at $250.

Compared to other cities, Yonkers takes a harder line on rental registration. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Rent Control

Yonkers has adopted the NY Emergency Tenant Protection Act (ETPA). Buildings with 6+ units built before January 1, 1974 are rent-stabilized; annual increases are set by the Westchester County Rent Guidelines Board.

Key details: State law: ETPA 1974. Covered buildings: 6+ units pre-1974. Rent board: Westchester County RGB. Administration: NYS DHCR.

Overcharge complaints are filed with NY State DHCR; landlords can be ordered to refund overcharges plus penalties.

Compared to other cities, Yonkers takes a harder line on rent control. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Yonkers is tougher than many cities when it comes to rental property rules. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Yonkers, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Yonkers's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.