Your landlord just handed you a lease renewal with a 25% rent increase. Can they do that? Or maybe your lease is ending and your landlord refuses to renew without explanation. Do you have any recourse?
If you're among the estimated 800,000 NYC renters covered by Good Cause Eviction protections, the answer might surprise you: you have powerful legal rights to push back. But here's the catch—the law includes complex exemptions that make it difficult to know if you're actually protected.
That's where a new digital tool comes in. GoodCauseNYC.org, launched by Housing Justice for All and JustFix, helps NYC tenants quickly determine whether their apartments qualify for Good Cause protections. Before you sign that new lease or start packing boxes to call your trusted NYC movers, understanding these protections could save you thousands of dollars and prevent an unnecessary move.
What is Good Cause Eviction?
Good Cause Eviction is a New York State law that went into effect on April 20, 2024, representing the largest expansion of tenant rights in a generation. The law gives eligible renters in unregulated (market-rate) apartments two critical protections:
- Protection from eviction without cause: Landlords cannot refuse to renew your lease or evict you simply because your lease has expired. They must prove "good cause" to end your tenancy.
- Protection from excessive rent increases: You have the right to challenge rent increases that exceed what the law considers reasonable—currently 8.79% for 2025 based on local inflation rates.
Before Good Cause, landlords of unregulated apartments could refuse to renew leases for any reason (or no reason at all) and could raise rents by any amount when leases expired. This often meant tenants paying their rent on time and following all lease terms could suddenly face displacement through extreme rent increases or arbitrary non-renewals.
Who is Covered by Good Cause Eviction?
This is where things get complicated. The final version of the law included numerous exemptions and carveouts that make eligibility confusing. Generally, you may be covered if:
- You live in an unregulated (market-rate) apartment in New York City
- Your building was constructed before 2009
- Your monthly rent is $6,005 or less
- Your landlord owns more than 10 residential units in New York State
- Your building is not owner-occupied with fewer than 7 units
However, these exemptions overlap in complex ways, and determining your actual coverage requires understanding your specific situation in detail.
Using the GoodCauseNYC.org Tool to Check Your Coverage
Rather than trying to navigate these complex requirements yourself, the GoodCauseNYC.org tool walks you through a simple questionnaire to determine your likely eligibility. Here's how it works:
Step 1: Enter Your Address
The tool starts by asking for your apartment address. This allows it to access public building records and property information that help determine eligibility factors like:
- When your building was constructed
- The ownership structure of the property
- Whether the building is part of a subsidy program
- The number of units in the building
Step 2: Answer Questions About Your Apartment
You'll need to provide some basic information about your rental situation:
- Your monthly rent: This determines if you exceed the $6,005 threshold that exempts high-rent apartments
- Number of bedrooms: Helps verify rent calculations
- Rent stabilization status: Rent-stabilized apartments are not covered by Good Cause (they have their own protections)
- Subsidy program participation: Buildings receiving certain government subsidies are exempt
If you're unsure whether your apartment is rent stabilized, the tool provides guidance on how to find out. You can request your rent history through JustFix's online form, email a REC-1 form to the Division of Housing and Community Renewal, or use the physical mail option.
Step 3: Understand Your Results
After completing the questionnaire, the tool will tell you whether you're "likely covered" or "likely not covered" by Good Cause Eviction. The tool is careful to use the word "likely" because outside of an actual housing court case, absolute certainty about coverage can be difficult to determine.
If the results show you're likely covered, the site provides resources and next steps for asserting your rights. If you're not covered, you'll receive information about other tenant protections that may apply to your situation.
The Small Landlord Exemption: A Tricky Calculation
One of the most complex aspects of Good Cause Eviction is the "small landlord" exemption. Landlords who own 10 or fewer residential units in New York State are exempt from the law. Sounds simple, right? Not quite.
The complexity arises when properties are owned by LLCs or other corporate entities (which is extremely common in NYC). Here's how it works:
- If your building is owned by an individual person who owns 10 or fewer units total, you're not covered
- If your building is owned by an LLC, you must look at each individual owner of that LLC
- Each person with an ownership interest in the LLC must own 10 or fewer units (across all their properties) for the exemption to apply
- This includes silent partners, investors, managers, and all members with direct or indirect ownership interests
For example: Your building has 5 apartments and is owned by "Acme Properties LLC." Acme has two owners—John and Jane. John only has an ownership stake in your building's 5 units. But Jane also has ownership interests in 18 other LLCs that together own 200 additional apartments statewide. In this case, because Jane owns more than 10 units, your building does NOT qualify for the small landlord exemption, and you ARE covered by Good Cause.
Determining LLC ownership can be challenging. The GoodCauseNYC.org tool recommends checking NYC's property records database and using JustFix's "Who Owns What" tool, which helps uncover other properties an owner may be associated with. If your landlord claims the small landlord exemption applies and files for eviction, they must provide you with a complete list of all residential units they own in New York State.
Understanding "Unreasonable" Rent Increases
If you're covered by Good Cause Eviction, you have the right to challenge rent increases that exceed the "local rent standard." This standard is calculated annually as the rate of inflation plus 5%, with a maximum cap of 10%.
As of February 2025, the inflation rate for the New York City area is 3.79%, making the current local rent standard 8.79% (3.79% inflation + 5%).
How to Calculate Your Maximum Reasonable Rent Increase
Here's a simple formula to determine if a proposed rent increase exceeds Good Cause limits:
Current Rent × 1.0879 = Maximum Reasonable New Rent
Examples:
- Current rent: $2,000 → Maximum reasonable increase: $2,175.80 (an increase of $175.80 or 8.79%)
- Current rent: $3,000 → Maximum reasonable increase: $3,263.70 (an increase of $263.70 or 8.79%)
- Current rent: $2,500 → Maximum reasonable increase: $2,719.75 (an increase of $219.75 or 8.79%)
Any increase above these amounts could be considered "unreasonable" under Good Cause Eviction. However, landlords can argue in housing court that higher increases are justified due to significant repairs, increased property taxes, or other substantial cost increases.
The GoodCauseNYC.org tool includes a built-in rent increase calculator that does this math for you, making it easy to determine whether a proposed rent hike exceeds legal thresholds.
What Counts as "Good Cause" for Eviction?
Understanding what landlords can and cannot do under Good Cause Eviction is essential for protecting your tenant rights. Landlords can still evict or refuse to renew leases for legitimate reasons, including:
- Non-payment of rent: Failure to pay rent (unless the rent increase itself was unreasonable under Good Cause)
- Lease violations: Substantial violations of lease terms or building rules
- Nuisance: Creating or permitting a nuisance in the building
- Illegal use: Using the apartment for illegal purposes
- Owner occupancy: The landlord or an immediate family member needs to occupy the unit as their primary residence
- Substantial renovations: Major renovations that require the unit to be vacant
- Sale to owner-occupant: The property has been sold to someone who will use it as their primary residence
- Demolition or permanent removal: The building will be demolished or permanently removed from the rental market
What landlords CANNOT do under Good Cause:
- Refuse to renew your lease simply because it expired
- Evict you without proving one of the good cause reasons listed above
- Retaliate against you for asserting your rights
- Discriminate based on protected characteristics
- Use excessive rent increases as a de facto eviction
How to Use Good Cause Protections When Negotiating Your Lease
Knowing you're covered by Good Cause Eviction gives you leverage when negotiating lease renewals. Here's how to use this knowledge strategically:
Before Receiving Your Renewal Offer
- Verify your coverage: Use the GoodCauseNYC.org tool well before your lease expires
- Calculate the maximum reasonable increase: Know what rent increase you can legally challenge
- Document your tenancy: Keep records showing you've paid rent on time and followed lease terms
- Research comparable rents: Know what similar apartments in your area are renting for
After Receiving an Excessive Rent Increase
- Respond in writing: Send your landlord a letter explaining that you're covered by Good Cause and believe the increase is unreasonable
- Propose a reasonable increase: Offer to accept an increase at or below the local rent standard
- Request justification: Ask your landlord to explain why they believe a higher increase is justified
- Document everything: Keep copies of all correspondence and communications
- Seek legal assistance if needed: If your landlord refuses to negotiate, contact a tenant rights organization or legal aid
Many tenants have successfully negotiated lower rent increases by simply informing their landlords they're aware of their Good Cause rights. Landlords who understand the law often prefer to negotiate rather than face a potential housing court challenge.
What to Do If You're Not Covered by Good Cause
If the GoodCauseNYC.org tool indicates you're not covered by Good Cause Eviction, you're not completely without protections. NYC tenants have other important rights:
- Rent-stabilized tenants: Have even stronger protections, including rent increase caps set by the Rent Guidelines Board and automatic renewal rights
- NYCHA residents: Have federal public housing protections
- Section 8 voucher holders: Have federal housing choice voucher protections
- All NYC tenants: Are protected by the warranty of habitability, anti-discrimination laws, and due process requirements in eviction proceedings
Even if you're not covered by Good Cause, you may still be able to negotiate with your landlord, especially in a competitive rental market. And if you're facing displacement due to an unaffordable rent increase, understanding your options early gives you more time to plan your next move strategically.
Good Cause Eviction and Your Moving Plans
Understanding Good Cause Eviction protections should play a role in both your current housing situation and your future moving decisions:
If You're Currently Renting
- Check your coverage status now, not when you receive a renewal offer
- If you're covered, you may have more negotiating power than you realized
- An excessive rent increase might not mean you have to move after all
- Knowing your rights can save you the stress and expense of an unwanted move
If You're Apartment Hunting
- Ask potential landlords about the building's Good Cause status
- Buildings covered by Good Cause offer more long-term stability
- Understanding coverage can help you evaluate different apartments
- Factor Good Cause protections into your decision-making alongside location, price, and amenities
When you're planning your move timeline, knowing whether you're protected by Good Cause can influence your decision about whether to move at all or when to schedule your move date.
Good Cause Eviction Enforcement: What Actually Happens in Housing Court
Since Good Cause Eviction went into effect in April 2024, enforcement has primarily played out in housing court. It's generally up to tenants to assert their Good Cause rights as a defense when facing eviction or challenging a rent increase.
Here's what typically happens:
- Landlord files for eviction or tenant challenges rent increase: The case goes to housing court
- Tenant raises Good Cause as a defense: The tenant must demonstrate they're covered by the law
- Court evaluates eligibility: The judge determines whether Good Cause protections apply
- Court assesses the landlord's reasoning: If the tenant is covered, the landlord must prove good cause for eviction or justify an excessive rent increase
- Court makes a determination: The judge decides whether the eviction or rent increase is lawful
In the first year since Good Cause took effect, tenants across NYC have used the law to successfully defend their homes in court and negotiate lower rent increases outside of court. However, success depends on being informed about your rights and asserting them appropriately.
Resources and Getting Help
If you need assistance understanding or asserting your Good Cause rights, numerous resources are available:
Online Tools and Information
- GoodCauseNYC.org: Check your eligibility and access resources
- JustFix.org: Additional tenant tools including "Who Owns What" to research landlord portfolios
- NYC Housing Preservation and Development: Official city information about Good Cause
- NY State Attorney General: Comprehensive guide to Good Cause Eviction law
Legal Assistance
- LawHelpNY.org: Find free legal service providers across New York State
- Housing Court Answer Center: Get information and guidance at your local housing court
- NYC Right to Counsel: Eligible tenants have the right to free legal representation in eviction cases
- Tenant rights organizations: Groups like Housing Justice for All provide education and advocacy
Government Offices
- NYC 311: Report issues and request information about tenant rights
- Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR): For questions about rent regulation
- NY Attorney General Tenant Protection Hotline: 1-800-771-7755
The Bigger Picture: Why Good Cause Matters
Good Cause Eviction represents a fundamental shift in the balance of power between landlords and tenants in New York City. For decades, tenants in unregulated apartments had virtually no protection against arbitrary evictions or extreme rent increases, even if they were model tenants who paid rent on time and took excellent care of their homes.
The law recognizes a basic principle: if you're paying your rent, following your lease, and being a good neighbor, you should have the right to continue living in your home without facing displacement due to landlord greed or retaliation.
As Cea Weaver, director of Housing Justice for All, explains: "Good Cause Eviction is a historic expansion of tenants rights—but only informed and organized tenants are able to use it to defend their homes."
This is why tools like GoodCauseNYC.org are so important. The law only helps you if you know you're covered and understand how to assert your rights.
Beyond NYC: Good Cause Expansion Across New York State
While Good Cause Eviction is mandatory in New York City, municipalities outside the city can opt in to the protections. In the first year since the law passed, fifteen cities and villages across New York have voted to adopt tenant protections, expanding rights to an estimated 175,000 additional renters.
Currently, Good Cause is in effect in: Albany, Ithaca, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Rochester, Beacon, Newburgh, Nyack, Hudson, New Paltz, Fishkill, Catskill, Croton-on-Hudson, and Binghamton.
If you're considering moving out of NYC to one of these municipalities, you may still have Good Cause protections depending on local implementation.
Common Misconceptions About Good Cause Eviction
As with any new law, misconceptions about Good Cause Eviction abound. Let's clear up some common confusion:
Misconception: "Good Cause means landlords can never raise rent"
Reality: Landlords can raise rent annually by up to 8.79% (as of 2025) without challenge. They can also request higher increases if they can demonstrate increased costs like major repairs or property tax increases.
Misconception: "All NYC renters are covered"
Reality: Many exemptions exist, including rent-stabilized apartments, buildings with 10 or fewer units owned by small landlords, buildings constructed after 2009, and apartments renting for more than $6,005 per month.
Misconception: "Good Cause means you can't be evicted"
Reality: Landlords can still evict for legitimate reasons like non-payment of rent, lease violations, nuisance, illegal activity, or when they need the unit for owner occupancy.
Misconception: "Landlords must notify you if you're covered"
Reality: While landlords should include information in leases about whether Good Cause applies, they may claim exemptions that don't actually apply. It's up to you to verify your coverage independently.
Misconception: "If the tool says you're covered, you definitely are"
Reality: The GoodCauseNYC.org tool provides a "likely" determination based on available data. Absolute certainty often requires additional research or a housing court determination.
Your Next Steps: Take Action Today
Whether you're settling into a new NYC apartment or you've been in your current place for years, understanding your Good Cause Eviction coverage is essential. Here's what to do right now:
- Check your coverage: Visit GoodCauseNYC.org and complete the questionnaire for your apartment
- Save your results: Keep a record of your eligibility determination
- Calculate your rent increase limit: Use the tool's calculator to know the maximum reasonable rent increase for your unit
- Research your landlord: Use "Who Owns What" to understand your landlord's full portfolio if they claim small landlord exemption
- Document everything: Keep copies of your lease, rent payment records, and all communications with your landlord
- Know your resources: Bookmark legal aid websites and tenant rights organizations
- Share this information: Tell your neighbors about Good Cause protections—there's power in numbers
The Bottom Line
Good Cause Eviction has the potential to keep hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers in their homes, preventing displacement and making the city more affordable and stable for working families. But the law only works if tenants know they're covered and understand how to assert their rights.
The GoodCauseNYC.org tool makes this knowledge accessible in just a few minutes. Before you accept an excessive rent increase, before you start packing, and before you call NYC Professional Movers for an unwanted move, take five minutes to check whether you're protected by Good Cause Eviction.
You might discover you have more power than you thought to stay in the home and neighborhood you love. And in New York City's brutal housing market, that knowledge is priceless.