Just cause eviction rules in Monroe County, NY — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
NY Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (HSTPA, 2019) governs evictions statewide. Rochester has no local just-cause ordinance, but Good Cause Eviction (L.2024, Ch.56) took effect April 20, 2024 in NYC and allows opt-in by other cities — Rochester has not opted in as of 2025.
Monroe County tenants are protected by NY Real Property Law §226-c (notice of non-renewal: 30/60/90 days based on tenancy length) and the HSTPA of 2019 which eliminated many no-cause eviction loopholes. The 2024 Good Cause Eviction law (Part HH of Chapter 56, Laws of 2024) applies automatically only to NYC; other cities must opt in by local law. Rochester City Council has debated but not adopted Good Cause as of 2025. Absent local adoption, Monroe County landlords may still decline to renew leases with proper RPL §226-c notice. NY RPL §235-e(d) requires 14-day notice of rent non-payment before summary proceedings. Retaliatory eviction is prohibited by RPAPL §223-b.
Wrongful eviction under RPL §768: misdemeanor, fine $1,000-$10,000, plus civil damages triple the monthly rent. Self-help eviction (changing locks, removing belongings) prohibited by RPAPL §711. Retaliation damages under §223-b.
Monroe County, NY
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