Good Cause Eviction in the Bronx and Westchester: What Landlords Need to Know in 2026

New York's Good Cause Eviction law took effect statewide in April 2024, expanding protections that had previously applied only to a handful of municipalities. For landlords in the Bronx, Queens, and Westchester, the rules around lease renewals and rent increases changed in ways that require attention. Here's what you need to know.

What Good Cause Eviction Does

The law limits a landlord's ability to refuse to renew a lease or remove a tenant without "good cause" — meaning a specific, legally recognized reason. It also limits rent increases on covered units to 5% or the Consumer Price Index increase (whichever is lower), with a cap of 10% total. Raising rent above that threshold, or refusing renewal without good cause, can expose a landlord to a tenant defense in Housing Court.

Which Units Are Covered

Coverage has several exemptions. Units in buildings with fewer than 10 units where the owner lives in the building may be exempt. Units with rents above the high-rent threshold (tied to local fair market rent calculations) may be exempt. Owner-occupied small buildings and newly constructed units may also be exempt under specific conditions. The exemptions are complex and have changed since enactment — verify your specific situation with a housing attorney rather than relying on a summary.

What Good Cause Counts As

• Nonpayment of rent

• Violation of a substantial lease obligation

• Nuisance or damage to the property

• Owner intends to demolish or substantially rehabilitate the unit

• Owner or immediate family member needs the unit for primary residence (with notice requirements)

What This Means for Your Lease Renewals

If your unit is covered, plan rent increases carefully at renewal time. Document lease violations thoroughly from the start of any tenancy — good cause law makes documentation more important, not less. And get comfortable with the idea that long-term tenants in covered units are likely to stay for the long term, which makes managing the relationship well a better strategy than planning for turnover.

Navigate This With Help

DoryAngel tracks Good Cause compliance, renewal notice timelines, and documentation requirements for owners across the Bronx, Queens, Yonkers, Mount Vernon, and New Rochelle — $99/unit/month, 30-day cancellation. Book a free consultation at cal.com/dory-angel-management-v5o0ke/30min.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Good Cause Eviction law is subject to court interpretation and legislative amendment. Consult a New York housing attorney for guidance on your specific building and tenants.