Is Your Apartment Covered By Good Cause Eviction Rules? This New Tool Can Tell You

New York City’s Good Cause Eviction Law has been in effect for a little more than a year now, but too few New Yorkers may be aware of whether their home is covered. Fortunately, a new tool is available from Housing Justice for All and JustFix, two advocacy groups that want to make sure you know your rights.

What is the Good Cause Eviction Law?

Since it went into effect in April of 2024, the new law has been intended to offer protections to New Yorkers renting “market-rate” homes—i.e., apartments not covered by rent regulation laws. While these apartments can be much easier to secure than rent-stabilized ones, the downside is that landlords are free to charge whatever they wish for rent (so long as someone is willing to pay it).

According to NYC.gov, Good Cause Eviction Law aims to protect tenants from landlords who now “cannot end a tenancy without a “good cause” reason and tenants can use this law as a defense in Housing Court. Tenants can also use the law to challenge rent increases above a certain level if they are evicted for nonpayment of rent.”

Are You Protected Under Good Cause Eviction Law?

Though New York has a framework of protections for renters, it can be maddening to navigate the maze of information to determine whether your apartment falls under the law’s protections. That’s where the new tool comes in.

A visit to GoodCauseNYC.org—and answering a few short questions about your home—can give you a pretty reliable indicator of whether you’re protected under the new law. Just enter your address, answer a few questions about your situation, and see your results.

The Good Clause Eviction Law is a powerful tool to protect tenants from price gouging or illegal eviction, though note that renters at either end of the rent spectrum—residents of NYCHA buildings or those paying more than $6005 a month, for instance—are not covered by the law. One other consideration for eligibility is the number of units your landlord owns; if it’s fewer than 10, the law may not apply to your unit, so it can be helpful before using the tool to know a few basics about your particular situation.

What If I’m Not Covered?

Though these protections can be invaluable, not everyone is covered due to various legal carveouts. However, that doesn’t mean you’re without legal supports. The GoodCauseNYC.org site also breaks down the legal rights afforded all renters in the city—including protections against eviction, upkeep, and discrimination, as well as protecting the right of tenants to organize. Our advice? Do yourself a favor and bookmark it.

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