New York, NY Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)

NYC eviction protections are among the strongest in the nation. For rent-stabilized tenants (approximately 1 million apartments), landlords must offer lease renewals and can only refuse to renew or evict for specified causes under Rent Stabilization Code (RSC) §2524.3 — including non-payment of rent, violation of lease terms, illegal use, owner's personal use (limited), and building demolition (with approval). New York State enacted the Good Cause Eviction law in 2024, extending just-cause protections to most market-rate tenants statewide with some exemptions. Under this law, landlords must have good cause to decline lease renewal or bring eviction proceedings. Good cause includes non-payment, nuisance behavior, illegal activity, and refusal to grant access for repairs. Rent increases exceeding a threshold tied to CPI may constitute constructive eviction. NYC Housing Court handles all residential eviction proceedings, and tenants have a right to counsel (Right to Counsel, Local Law 136 of 2017) if their income is below 200% of the federal poverty line.