good cause eviction nyc protections give many market-rate renters a shield against unfair evictions, even though most of these apartments have no traditional rent control. Under good cause eviction nyc rules, a court could find a rent increase above 8.38% unreasonable. That is the local rent standard New York State published as of May 4, 2026.
Is Your Unit Covered by Good Cause Eviction NYC?
New York City is covered automatically. The city did not have to opt in. The state law is Real Property Law Article 6-A. It took effect on April 20, 2024. It applies to eviction cases filed on or after that date. You do not need a written lease to be protected.
However, many homes are left out. Rent-stabilized and rent-controlled apartments are not covered, because other laws already protect them. The same goes for NYCHA public housing, Project-Based Section 8, and HPD Housing Connect homes. Condos, co-ops, hotel rooms, and dorms are also excluded. Here are the main good cause eviction nyc coverage rules, according to NYC HPD.
| Rule | What it says | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Start date | Covers eviction cases filed on or after April 20, 2024 | RPL Article 6-A; NYC HPD |
| Small landlord exemption | Not covered if the landlord owns 10 units or fewer in New York State | NYC HPD |
| Owner lives in building | Not covered if the building has 10 or fewer apartments and the owner lives there | NYC HPD |
| Newer buildings | Built on or after January 1, 2009: not covered until 30 years after the certificate of occupancy | NYC HPD |
| High-rent units | Not covered if rent is more than 245% of Fair Market Rent (amounts updated May 4, 2026) | NYC HPD; NYS Homes and Community Renewal |
| Landlord notice | Since August 18, 2024, landlords must tell you in writing whether the law applies | NYC HPD |
To check your own address, start with your lease renewal. Your landlord’s notice must say whether you are covered, and why not if you aren’t. If an LLC owns your building, each person who owns part of the company must own 10 or fewer units in total for the building to be exempt. If a landlord claims the small-landlord exemption in court, they must give you a list of every home they own in the state.
How Much Rent Can Go Up Under Good Cause Eviction NYC
The law sets a “local rent standard.” It equals local inflation plus 5%, with a maximum of 10%. As of May 4, 2026, New York City area inflation is 3.38%. As a result, the current local rent standard is 8.38%. Under good cause eviction nyc rules, a court could find a raise above that unreasonable.
For example, say your rent is $2,000. Multiply by 1.0838. The highest raise likely to count as reasonable brings it to $2,167.76. Keep in mind that New York State Homes and Community Renewal updates the figure every year, before August 1. Check hcr.ny.gov for the current number before you rely on it.
This is not a hard cap like rent stabilization. Instead, good cause eviction nyc works as a defense. If you don’t pay an unreasonable increase and your landlord sues, the judge decides. Landlords may argue for a bigger raise, for example because of major repairs or higher property taxes. The law does not set out any rent “banking” or pass-through rules.
Eviction Protections in This City
If your home is covered, your landlord needs a legal reason to end your tenancy. That includes an eviction, refusing to renew your lease, or ending a month-to-month tenancy. Under good cause eviction nyc law, the allowed reasons include not paying rent (unless the increase was unreasonable), a serious lease violation, a nuisance, illegal use of the home, or refusing reasonable access for repairs.
Some reasons need more proof. Suppose the landlord or a close family member wants to move in. Or the landlord plans to demolish the home or take it off the market. In these cases, the landlord must show “clear and compelling evidence” in court. The move-in reason cannot be used against a tenant who is 65 or older or who has a disability. The official guides don’t list any relocation payments under good cause eviction nyc law.
What to Do If Your Landlord Breaks the Rule
No city agency sets or enforces the rent cap. Instead, good cause eviction nyc rights are enforced through Housing Court. In most cases, you raise the law as a defense after your landlord files a case. Still, you can get help sooner. Call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline. Specialists there may refer you to a free lawyer.
You can also report your landlord to the New York State Attorney General. The hotline is 1-800-771-7755. For voice or hearing-impaired callers, the toll-free number is 1-800-788-9898. Bring your lease, every rent-increase letter, and any good cause eviction nyc notice your landlord sent you. Also bring rent receipts and photos of any repair problems.
If you have an active case, don’t wait. Call Housing Court Answers at 718-557-1379 or 212-962-4795, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm. The NYC Office of Civil Justice may connect you with a free lawyer ([email protected]). If you are locked out illegally, call 911. Only a court can evict you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does good cause eviction nyc cover rent-stabilized apartments?
No. Rent-stabilized and rent-controlled apartments already have their own protections, so they are excluded. The law mainly helps tenants in market-rate apartments.
Can my landlord raise my rent more than 8.38%?
A landlord can ask for it, but a court could find it unreasonable. That figure is the local rent standard as of May 4, 2026. Under good cause eviction nyc rules, you may be able to use an unreasonable increase as a defense if you are sued for not paying it.
What if my landlord never gave me a notice?
Since August 18, 2024, landlords must include a notice with lease offers, renewals, nonrenewals, and eviction filings. If you never got one, write that down. Then tell a legal-aid lawyer or Housing Court Answers.
Protect your stuff while you sort this out
A landlord’s insurance does not cover your belongings — renters insurance does, often for a few dollars a month. Compare options before your next move.
Find Your State’s Exact Rules
Notice periods, deposit caps, and the eviction timeline all change from state to state. Pick your state to see the exact days, dollar limits, and steps that apply where you live.
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Sources & How to Verify
The rules on this page are drawn from official government and legal-aid sources. Tenant law changes, so always confirm the exact rule with your state’s statute or a local legal-aid office.
- HUD: hud.gov — federal renter protections and fair housing
- Legal Services Corporation: lsc.gov — find free legal aid in your state
- Cornell Legal Information Institute: law.cornell.edu/wex — plain-English legal definitions
- Your state statute & court self-help portal: search “[your state] landlord tenant act” and “[your state] court self-help eviction” for the exact law and forms
Content last reviewed September 2026. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
New York Renter Guides
- New York Eviction Process
- New York Tenant Rights
- New York Security Deposit Law
- New York Rent Increase Laws
- New York Repairs and Habitability
- Breaking a Lease in New York
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Informational only — not legal advice. Tenant Rights Info is an independent educational resource, not a law firm, and this page does not provide legal advice. Landlord-tenant law varies by state and city and changes over time, so always verify the exact rule with your state’s statute, your local court’s self-help portal, or a legal-aid office. For urgent situations like an active eviction, contact a local legal-aid office or a licensed tenant attorney in your state right away.