New 2024 Requirements

Good Cause Eviction Law Compliance

Navigate New York's new statewide Good Cause Eviction law with expert compliance review and document preparation

Free Good Cause Eviction Compliance Checker

Before you proceed, make sure your case complies with NYC's new Good Cause Eviction law. Our free tool checks your situation in 60 seconds.

Good Cause Compliance
Rent Increase Limits
Notice Requirements

✓ Takes 60 seconds • ✓ Instant results • ✓ No email required

What is the Good Cause Eviction Law?

In April 2024, New York enacted statewide Good Cause Eviction protections that fundamentally changed eviction law across the state.

The law requires landlords to prove "good cause" to evict tenants or refuse lease renewals, limits rent increases to 3% or 1.5x CPI (whichever is higher), and mandates extensive notice and documentation requirements. Non-compliance results in automatic case dismissal and potential attorney fee awards to tenants.

Covered Units (Statewide):

  • Rental units outside NYC built before 2009
  • Units where tenant has lived 1+ years (or signed 1+ year lease)
  • Excludes: owner-occupied 1-4 family homes, new construction (post-2009), rent > $245k/year

NYC-Specific Rules:

  • NYC rent-stabilized units have separate (stricter) Good Cause rules under local law
  • Market-rate NYC units may be covered under statewide law

Don't Risk Your Case

Good Cause violations result in immediate dismissal. Let us review your case for compliance before you file.

What Qualifies as "Good Cause" for Eviction?

The law defines specific grounds that justify eviction

Non-Payment of Rent

Tenant fails to pay rent owed (traditional nonpayment case). Still requires proper rent demand notice.

Material Lease Violation

Tenant breaches lease terms after proper Notice to Cure. Violation must be substantial and documented.

Owner Use

Owner or immediate family needs unit for primary residence. Requires sworn affidavit and good-faith intent.

Withdrawal from Rental Market

Permanent removal from rental use (sale, demolition, substantial renovation). Requires permits and proof.

Illegal Activity

Tenant engages in illegal use or activity. Must have documentation (police reports, court records).

Refusal of Reasonable Lease Renewal

Tenant rejects lease renewal with rent increase within legal limits and reasonable terms.

Rent Increase Limits Under Good Cause

The law caps annual rent increases at the lesser of 3% or 1.5 times the CPI (Consumer Price Index) for the region. Any increase above this threshold requires additional justification.

✓ Allowed Increases

  • 3% or less (no justification needed)
  • Up to 1.5x CPI if lower than 3%
  • Pass-through of documented capital improvements (MCI)
  • Proportional utility cost increases

✗ Prohibited Increases

  • Above 3% without documented justification
  • Retaliatory increases after complaints
  • "Market rate" adjustments without cause
  • Increases to force tenant out

Important: If tenant refuses renewal with excessive rent increase, you cannot evict. The increase itself violates Good Cause.

Required Documentation for Good Cause Compliance

Nonpayment Eviction

Rent ledger, proof of rent increases within limits, compliance with rent demand notice requirements

Holdover (Owner Use)

Sworn owner affidavit, proof of immediate need, 90-day advance notice, good-faith intent evidence

Holdover (Lease Violation)

Notice to Cure, documentation of violation, proof tenant didn't cure, evidence violation is material

Holdover (Renovation)

Building permits, contractor estimates, architect plans, proof work requires vacancy, timeline

Lease Non-Renewal

90-day notice, explanation of grounds, proof rent increase within limits, offer of renewal terms

We Handle the Complexity

Our experts review your case for Good Cause compliance and prepare all required documentation.

Notice Requirements Under Good Cause

1

90-Day Termination Notice

When: Required for owner use, renovation, lease non-renewal

Must Include: Specific good cause grounds, detailed explanation, supporting documentation

2

30-Day Notice to Cure

When: Required for most lease violations before holdover

Must Include: Description of violation, cure instructions, reasonable cure period

3

14-Day Rent Demand

When: Required before nonpayment petition

Must Include: Exact rent owed, payment instructions, rent increase compliance

4

10-Day Notice (No Cure)

When: Non-curable violations (illegal activity, serious safety issues)

Must Include: Explanation why violation is non-curable, evidence of violation

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Immediate case dismissal (no cure opportunity)
Tenant awarded attorney fees and court costs
Landlord pays tenant's legal expenses (can be $10k+)
Reputational damage in Housing Court
Months of lost rent and possession
Potential harassment counterclaims
Difficulty filing future cases (court scrutiny)

Our Good Cause Compliance Service Includes

Case coverage analysis (is your unit covered?)
Good cause grounds evaluation
Rent increase compliance review
Notice requirement verification
Required documentation checklist
Supporting document preparation (affidavits, proofs)
Petition review for Good Cause compliance
Ongoing compliance consultation

Stay Compliant with Good Cause Law

Get expert compliance review before filing your eviction case. We ensure your documents meet all new requirements.