HGAR to Hold ‘Good Cause Eviction’ Informational Session on Feb. 28

WHITE PLAINS—The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors is partnering with the Building & Realty Institute of Westchester & Mid-Hudson Region to present a crucial informational session on “Good Cause Eviction,” exploring its potential impact on the real estate industry. The session will be held at HGAR’s White Plains headquarters on Friday, February 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Tim Foley, CEO of the BRI, will clarify how municipalities can modify the bill, and explain any unintended consequences as well as advocacy efforts regarding Good Cause Eviction. The Good Cause Eviction Law generally prohibits landlords from evicting residential tenants or refusing to renew residential leases without a court order and a valid legal justification, unless an exemption applies.

Ann Heaney-Korchak, Board President of the Small Property Owners of New York, will also participate in the session, providing valuable insights and firsthand experiences from New York City property owners who have already navigated the implementation of Good Cause Eviction laws. She will offer guidance to HGAR members on how to effectively advocate on this issue and navigate the practical implications should the law be enacted.

While the law aims to provide greater security and fairness to tenants by preventing evictions without good cause, some landlords argue that it imposes excessive restrictions. HGAR believes that the law could have significant consequences for both landlords and tenants, potentially making it more challenging for renters to secure quality, affordable housing while also impacting property owners' rights.

“In addition, the law could discourage property owners from investing in essential upgrades, and could eliminate ‘mom and pop’ landlords,” said Alex Roithmayr, HGAR Government Affairs Director. “As a result, this could create an opening for larger corporate landlords to take over the market.”

HGAR also argues that the law could restrict property rights, potentially reducing the availability of affordable rental housing if property owners choose to sell rather than navigate the new regulations. Additionally, it may lead to de facto perpetual residential leases, limiting a property owner’s ability to decide whether to renew a lease upon expiration. Ultimately, these decisions could be left to the courts to determine, resulting in costly and time-consuming legal proceedings for both tenants and landlords.

This session is open for HGAR members and non-members and will offer valuable insights from property managers and owners in NYC who are already dealing with the effects of Good Cause Eviction laws that have been passed. “This is a critical opportunity for HGAR members to unite and advocate against the proposed bill before the upcoming City of Middletown public hearing on this issue on March 4,” added Roithmayr.