Just cause eviction rules in Buffalo, NY — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Buffalo opted into New York State Good Cause Eviction protections in 2024 via Common Council resolution, limiting evictions and rent increases above set thresholds for covered units.
New York State enacted Good Cause Eviction as part of the FY2025 Budget (Real Property Law Article 6-A, effective April 20, 2024). Outside of NYC the law only applies in municipalities that affirmatively opt in. Buffalo adopted Good Cause by local law in 2024, making it one of the first upstate cities to do so. Covered tenants can only be evicted for statutory good cause (nonpayment, lease violation, nuisance, owner occupancy, withdrawal from market). Rent increases above the local reasonable threshold (CPI + 5% or 10%, whichever is lower) are presumptively unreasonable. Exemptions include owner-occupied buildings with 10 or fewer units, new construction under 30 years old, small landlords owning 10 or fewer units statewide, and units above 245% of fair market rent. Tenants may raise Good Cause as a defense in Buffalo City Court Housing Part.
Landlord who evicts without good cause faces dismissal of eviction petition and potential damages. Tenant retaliation claims allowed.
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See how Buffalo's just cause eviction rules stack up against other locations.
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