Good Cause Evictions: Shifting the Power Dynamic in NYC’s Rental Market
Table of Contents
- 1. Good Cause Evictions: Shifting the Power Dynamic in NYC’s Rental Market
- 2. new York City’s Good Cause Eviction Law: A Balancing Act
- 3. New York City’s Good Cause Eviction Law: A Balancing Act
- 4. An Interview wiht Jeremiah Schlotman adn Sherwin Belkin
- 5. Jeremiah, what has been the impact of the Good Cause eviction law on tenants in New York City?
- 6. Sherwin, what are the primary concerns landlords have with the Good Cause eviction law?
- 7. there’s been discussion about the law’s wording being ambiguous and leading to inconsistent decisions in housing court. Jeremiah, is that a concern?
- 8. Do you think “Good Cause” evictions could possibly contribute to a decrease in the overall number of available rental units in the long run, Sherwin?
- 9. What message do you have for renters and landlords navigating this new system?
Tensions are running high in New York City’s notoriously challenging rental market. Facing a housing crisis with escalating rents and dwindling affordability, the city is witnessing a dramatic shift in tenant protections.A new law,known as “good cause eviction,” passed last spring,aims to create a more balanced playing field between landlords and renters.
Eileen Kelley, a resident of the East Village for eight years, found herself facing a potential eviction when her lease came up for renewal. However, a TikTok video sparked a glimmer of hope. It introduced her to the concept of “good cause eviction.” feeling empowered by this newfound knowledge, she refused to vacate her apartment.After months of back-and-forth with her landlord, she finally secured a new lease, breathing a sigh of relief.
“I was like, ‘Wow, the system does work for us,'” she shared, highlighting the law’s tangible impact on her life. Now, she actively shares her experience with others, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s rights as a tenant.
Kelley’s story is becoming increasingly common. The law’s implementation is reshaping the dynamics of the rental market. Renters are actively challenging landlords in negotiations and court proceedings, seeking lease renewals and rent freezes.Conversely, landlords are exercising caution regarding eviction proceedings, even for problematic tenants, due to the legal complexities and potential financial repercussions.
The “good cause” concept requires landlords to demonstrate a legitimate reason for evicting a tenant. This coudl include breaches of lease agreements, illegal activities within the rental unit, or significant property damage. Even unpaid rent is considered a valid cause only if it hasn’t been increased “unreasonably.” The law defines an unreasonable increase as exceeding the inflation rate (3.82% in the New York City area last year) by 5%.
This legislation reflects a growing movement within cities and states to address the anxieties surrounding the affordability and security of housing. new York City’s “good cause eviction” law is a bold step towards building a fairer and more equitable rental market.
new York City’s Good Cause Eviction Law: A Balancing Act
new York City took a monumental step in addressing the city’s housing crisis with the passage of the Good Cause eviction law. This landmark legislation, hailed by tenant advocates as a major victory, expands protections for renters in a city where finding affordable housing has been an increasingly daunting challenge.
While many rental units were already shielded by the city’s rent-stabilization system,this new law extends crucial safeguards to hundreds of thousands of additional households living in what were previously considered unregulated properties.Jeremiah Schlotman, director of housing litigation at Legal Services NYC, a non-profit legal aid organization, celebrated the law as a “huge expansion” and a “great step forward in expanding tenant protections.”
However, the law’s implementation has sparked controversy. Sherwin Belkin, a lawyer representing property owners in housing court, argues that the law places an additional burden on landlords already grappling with the costs of maintaining thier buildings. He contends that it discourages tenant mobility, ultimately stifling the housing market and reducing rental options.“I don’t think it’s good for New York City as I don’t think it’s good for New York City real estate,” he asserts.
Adding to the complexity, the law’s language is being scrutinized for ambiguity. Schlotman acknowledges that the legislation is “poorly worded in many aspects,” leading to inconsistent decisions from housing court judges.
Belkin echoes this concern,stating,“The standards are not really set forth in the statute. It’s all buzzwords.” For instance, while a threshold exists for what constitutes an unreasonable rent increase, a judge might still deem a larger increase justifiable if the landlord needs it to cover repairs or renovations. Moreover, the law exempts so-called “small landlords,” defined as those owning fewer than ten units in the city. However, landlords can potentially circumvent this exemption by using multiple limited liability companies for each property, a practice Schlotman describes as leaving room for “fibbing.”
Despite the uncertainties, the law offers tangible relief to renters like Ms. Kelley. She and her roommate have witnessed their rent escalate from $3,200 to $4,550 over the past four years. When facing the prospect of relocation,they were unable to find affordable alternatives in their beloved East Village neighborhood. Ms.Kelley shared that a private equity firm acquired her building, leading her to believe it would be demolished. However, she expresses gratitude for the law, stating, “I think it has actually made me more excited about living in New York.”
New York City’s Good Cause Eviction Law: A Balancing Act
An Interview wiht Jeremiah Schlotman adn Sherwin Belkin
New York City took a monumental step in addressing the city’s housing crisis with the passage of the Good Cause eviction law. This landmark legislation, hailed by tenant advocates as a major victory, expands protections for renters in a city where finding affordable housing has been an increasingly daunting challenge.
While many rental units were already shielded by the city’s rent-stabilization system, this new law extends crucial safeguards to hundreds of thousands of additional households living in what were previously considered unregulated properties. Jeremiah Schlotman, director of housing litigation at Legal Services NYC, a non-profit legal aid institution, celebrated the law as a “huge expansion” and a “great step forward in expanding tenant protections.”
Though, the law’s implementation has sparked controversy. Sherwin Belkin, a lawyer representing property owners in housing court, argues that the law places an additional burden on landlords already grappling with the costs of maintaining their buildings.He contends that it discourages tenant mobility, ultimately stifling the housing market and reducing rental options. “I don’t think it’s good for New York City as I don’t think it’s good for New York City real estate,” he asserts.
Jeremiah, what has been the impact of the Good Cause eviction law on tenants in New York City?
Jeremiah Schlotman: We’re seeing huge changes already. Tenants are feeling empowered, more confident in standing up for their rights, and engaging in lease negotiations in a way they haven’t before. many are successfully securing lease renewals and even negotiating rent freezes. It’s truly given them a much-needed voice in this often one-sided market.
Sherwin, what are the primary concerns landlords have with the Good Cause eviction law?
Sherwin Belkin: The law creates a significant hurdle for landlords when it comes to managing their properties. It restricts our ability to handle problematic tenants, which can often lead to properties being damaged or safety issues for other tenants. The additional paperwork and legal complexities also add to our expenses. It’s just not a level playing field, and it ultimately restricts the availability of rental units for everyone.
there’s been discussion about the law’s wording being ambiguous and leading to inconsistent decisions in housing court. Jeremiah, is that a concern?
Schlotman: Absolutely. While the intention of the law is clear, the language around certain aspects is poorly worded. This leads to confusion and differing interpretations among judges,creating an habitat of uncertainty for both landlords and tenants. A lot of legal clarification and judicial precedent-setting will be needed in the coming years to ensure the law is applied consistently and fairly.
Do you think “Good Cause” evictions could possibly contribute to a decrease in the overall number of available rental units in the long run, Sherwin?
Belkin: I do believe so. Landlords might potentially be less inclined to invest in or maintain buildings if they know that evictions are more challenging and costly. They may even choose to develop properties for different uses, further shrinking the already limited rental inventory in the city. this could exacerbate the housing crisis in the long term,making it even harder for people to find affordable places to live.
Schlotman: Tenants, now is the time to know your rights! Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourselves and hold landlords accountable. Landlords, understand that the playing field has changed. You need to be more transparent in your interactions with tenants and follow the legal process carefully.
Belkin: This law is still evolving, and its long-term impact remains to be seen. It’s crucial that both sides work together, communicate openly, and engage in good faith to find solutions that address the complex housing challenges facing New York City.
