Bill > S03870

This bill, known as the "Stop The Outrageous Retail Evictions Act" (STORE Act), establishes comprehensive protections for small commercial tenants in New York City by prohibiting landlords from evicting tenants without demonstrating specific "good cause". The bill defines small commercial premises as retail spaces of 1,000 square feet or less and outlines nine specific grounds for potential eviction, including failure to pay rent, violating tenancy obligations, committing nuisances, conducting illegal activities, and specific landlord-initiated scenarios like substantial building reconstruction or personal business occupation. Importantly, the bill includes several tenant protections, such as requiring written notice before eviction, allowing tenants to cure lease violations, preventing unconscionable rent increases (defined as increases exceeding 1.5 times the annual Consumer Price Index), and providing tenants with the right to challenge fraudulent eviction claims. The legislation also explicitly states that any lease agreement attempting to waive these protections is void, and tenants can seek damages and attorneys' fees if a landlord improperly evicts them. The act will take effect immediately and apply to all actions and proceedings commenced on or after its effective date, providing a new layer of security for small retail businesses in New York City.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3870