Bill > A03803

This bill amends New York's real property law to introduce a "no cause eviction fee" that requires landlords to pay tenants one month's rent if they are evicted without a specific, legally justified reason. The bill defines a "no cause eviction" as an eviction that does not fall under several specific exceptions, such as non-payment of rent, violation of tenancy obligations, causing a nuisance, illegal use of the property, or the landlord's genuine need for personal occupancy. Importantly, the law applies to most rental properties, with exemptions for small owner-occupied buildings, employment-related housing, and properties already subject to other rent or eviction regulations. The bill provides detailed criteria for what constitutes a legitimate reason for eviction, including protections against unreasonable rent increases and requirements for proper notice. If a landlord evicts a tenant without meeting these specific conditions, they must pay a fee equivalent to one month's rent, which is separate from any security deposit return. The legislation aims to provide additional protection for tenants by making it financially disadvantageous for landlords to evict tenants without a substantive, legally recognized cause.