If you rent an apartment in New York City, a state law called Good Cause Eviction (GCE) can protect you from big rent increases and eviction (being forced to leave your home).
If you live outside New York City, read more about GCE for New York State renters.
Who is covered?
The law covers some market-rate apartments, which are apartments not already under rent control or rent stabilization.
To be covered, your building must have been built before 2009, and your landlord must own more than 10 units in New York State.
How does it protect you?
If you are covered, your landlord cannot raise your rent by more than a set limit each year, and they cannot ever raise your rent more than 10%.
Your landlord also needs a good reason not to renew your lease. This is called "good cause." It includes things like you owe back rent, violated your lease, or caused problems for other tenants. Your landlord cannot refuse to renew your lease just because they want the apartment back.
What can you do if your landlord broke the rules?
You have options. You can write your landlord a letter, talk with your neighbors, or fight back in Housing Court.
For more help, call Housing Court Answers (HCA) at (212) 962-4795.
See the full guide for step-by-step instructions, including how to find out if you are covered, what evidence to gather, and what to expect in court, or visit goodcausenyc.org to learn more.
Last Reviewed: May 6, 2026