Syracuse considers new law to protect tenants from eviction

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the implications of New York State's Good Cause Eviction law, which allows municipalities to implement tenant protections aimed at preventing unjust evictions. The law stipulates specific \"good causes\" for eviction, including lease violations, non-payment of rent, property damage, and illegal use of the property. Notably, it also addresses landlords' motivations for evicting tenants, such as personal use of the property or removal from the rental market.

Syracuse officials highlighted a troubling trend: evictions due to non-renewal of leases have surged, surpassing those for non-payment. Currently, landlords can terminate month-to-month leases without justification, leading to fears among tenants that reporting code violations could result in retaliatory evictions. Advocates argue that the Good Cause Eviction law would extend existing protections to cover non-renewals, requiring landlords to provide valid reasons for not renewing a lease.

The meeting underscored the challenges tenants face in proving retaliatory evictions, which are already illegal but difficult to substantiate. The proposed law would simplify this process by making lease renewals automatic unless a tenant has violated lease terms. This change aims to protect tenants from arbitrary non-renewals, particularly those who assert their rights regarding housing conditions.

Concerns were also raised about discriminatory practices in lease non-renewals, particularly against tenants requesting reasonable accommodations for disabilities. A recent case was cited where a tenant faced non-renewal shortly after making necessary modifications to their living space, highlighting the potential for abuse in the current system.

As Syracuse considers opting into the Good Cause Eviction law, the discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for stronger tenant protections in the face of rising eviction rates and potential discrimination.