Here's a slightly humorous approach to a serious topic: the Good Cause Eviction law making its way through the New York State Legislature.
A short, sometimes amusing, video published by the New York Times and written by Jeff Seal, Chris Libbey, and Nick Libbey explains the "Good Cause Eviction" bill (Senate Bill S3082) authored by State Senator Julia Salazar (D) and under consideration by the New York State Legislature.
(Spoiler: the video also features Jeff Seal as a singing, dancing bill, à la Schoolhouse Rock).
The bill has been described as "landlords' worst nightmare" and is based on similar statewide legislation passed in Oregon and California (called "Just Caused Evictions" on the West Coast).
"Under Good Cause Eviction, as long as you're paying your rent and are an otherwise good tenant, a landlord can't evict you," explains Seal, who explains the intentions and the politics of the bill in clear language, but also clearly positions the video on the side of expanded tenants' rights in New York.
Landlords across the state can evict tenants for "basically no reason," according to Judith Goldner, a lawyer at Legal Aid, who is featured in the article, along with the bill's author, State Senator Salzar.
Landlords are still allowed to evict a tenant for a "good reason," like those listed by Goldner in the video: breach of lease, causing a nuisance, failure to pay rent, or if the landlord wants to take over an apartment for themselves or family members.
The video also features numerous anecdotes of tenants who forego basic fixes and other property owner obligations to avoid retaliation in the form of eviction. The bill would protect tenants from eviction if they ask for repairs or form tenant associations. The bill also sets a limit on rent increases—a protection commonly referred to as rent control—by tying rent increases to inflation.
See more on New York's Good Cause Eviction bill in an article published by the National Low Income Housing Coalition in December 2021.
The state of New York is starting to build a recent track record of passing new tenant protections, most prominently with the approval of the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, which implemented landmark changes to rent control regulations throughout the state.
FULL STORY: The Landlord’s Worst Nightmare Is a Basic Human Right
Rent Control for New York City Could Spillover Effect to the Rest of the State
The housing crisis isn't the same in every corner of New York State, but new rent control measures in the state legislature could apply solutions intended for the New York City rental market to the entire state.
Strong Reactions to New York Rent Control Changes
Rounding up the numerous reactions to a law approved by the New York State Legislature this month making 'landmark' changes to rent control regulations in New York City.
New York Pilot Program to Test Expanded Tenant Protections
The political support for an expanded set of tenant protections emerged in response to the program of rezonings underway as part of the de Blasio Administration's housing plan.
The Slow Death of Ride Sharing
From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.
Cool Walkability Planning
Shadeways (covered sidewalks) and pedways (enclosed, climate controlled walkways) can provide comfortable walkability in hot climates. The Cool Walkshed Index can help plan these facilities.
Congestion Pricing Could Be Coming to L.A.
The infamously car-centric city is weighing a proposed congestion pricing pilot program to reduce traffic and encourage public transit use.
Illinois Legislators Pass Controversial I-55 Road Expansion Legislation
Legislation to enable the addition of express toll lanes on Interstate 55 in the Southwest Side of Chicago, opposed by environmental justice advocates, cleared the Illinois General Assembly last month.
What Is ‘Arterial Rapid Transit?’
Atlanta is planning to build ‘BRT lite,’ a version of bus service that offers signal priority and fewer stops but keeps buses in mixed-traffic lanes.
Vermont Latest State to Preempt Single-Family Zoning
The approval of the HOME law, S.100, will allow for duplexes in all residential neighborhoods in Vermont. Large swaths of residential zones in the state must also now allow tri- and four-plexes.
Caltrans
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
City of Orange
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Montrose County
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
City of Lomita
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
