If you're renting an apartment in New York City, there's a law on the books right now that could protect you from a massive rent hike or a no-reason eviction notice — and there's a good chance you've never heard of it.

Good Cause Eviction. Passed as part of the New York State budget in April 2024. No fanfare, minimal coverage in places most renters actually read. Two years later, plenty of people are still paying whatever their landlord demands or vacating when they're told to, without knowing they may have had a legal leg to stand on.

Here's what you need to know.

What the Law Does

Good Cause Eviction does two core things.

First, it caps rent increases. For apartments it covers, landlords can't raise the rent by more than the "reasonable rent increase" threshold — defined as the lower of 8.82% or 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index. The point: if your landlord slides a lease renewal across the table with a 25% increase and says "take it or leave it," you now have legal grounds to push back.

Second, it requires a reason to evict you. Under Good Cause, a landlord can't just refuse to renew your lease. Valid causes: non-payment of rent, serious lease violations, nuisance, illegal use, owner or family member genuinely moving in, or demolition/major capital work. What's not valid: your lease expired. Your landlord wants a higher-paying tenant. They decided to remodel.

How You Actually Use It

The law works as a defense in housing court — not an automatic shield. If a landlord brings eviction proceedings without legitimate grounds, you raise Good Cause as your affirmative defense. You need to show up to court. If you get an eviction notice and just move out, you've waived the protection.

Free legal help: Housing Court Answers (housingcourtanswers.org), Legal Aid Society, borough-based legal services organizations.

The Exemptions — Read These

Good Cause does NOT apply to: rent-stabilized/rent-controlled units, small owner-occupied buildings, newly constructed buildings (30-year exemption), high-rent luxury apartments, condos and co-ops, subsidized housing (Section 8, NYCHA).

What to Do Right Now

Look up your building at hpdonline.nyc.gov. If you get a renewal with a large increase, ask in writing what the basis is. If you get an eviction notice — don't move without talking to someone first.

NYC housing law is complicated and changes. This is a starting point, not legal advice. When it matters, talk to a housing attorney.

Forward this to a renter who needs to see it. They probably haven't heard about this law.