BREAKING: Rochester introduces Good Cause Evictions, No C of O No Eviction Law
In the midst of an eviction crisis, Rochester is set to become the largest city in New York to pass Good Cause Eviction Protections
Rochester, NY -- On Thursday evening, Rochester City Council took urgent action to stop Rochester's eviction crisis by introducing the Eviction Reduction Law, Introductory 94: Local Law to Prohibit Eviction Without a Certificate of Occupancy or Good Cause. Rochester City Council Vice President Mary Lupien, Councilmember Kim Smith, and Councilmember Stanley Martin co-sponsored the legislation. Rochester has had 3,000 over eviction cases filed since the start of the pandemic, impacting approximately 6,870 residents.
Good Cause Eviction Protections give tenants the right to renew their tenancy, protect against retaliatory evictions, and protect against unconscionable rent increases. The measure requires landlords to show that there is a "good cause," such as non-payment or violating the lease, in order to evict a tenant. No Certificate of Occupancy, No Eviction prohibits evictions from properties lacking a valid Certificate of Occupancy, which is required for all rental properties by Rochester City Code.
"Our neighbors who rent live in constant fear because no matter how responsible they are as tenants, or how long they've lived in their homes, their lease could be terminated without cause, forcing them to relocate with as few as 30 days notice," said Rochester City Council Vice President Mary Lupien. “Good Cause eviction protections can lead to improved living conditions and thriving neighborhoods simply by stipulating that landlords must show they have a good cause to evict, stabilizing our neighborhoods and stopping retaliatory evictions against tenants who speak up against poor living conditions."
Rochester is now the largest city in New York State to introduce Good Cause. Four cities in New York, Albany, Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, and Hudson, passed the legislation in 2021. The introduction of these protections comes just over a month after the expiration of the New York State Eviction Moratorium on January 15, 2022. Rochester Mayor Malik Evans had pledged to reduce evictions in his mayoral campaign.
Rochester had been in an eviction crisis since prior to the pandemic, which has disproportionately impacted tenants of color. Before 2020, Rochester saw approximately 8,000 evictions filed each year. Between April 2017 and March 2020, 72% of the tenants represented by the Legal Aid Society of Rochester in eviction cases were women and 80% were people of color. Evictions have been shown to contribute to crises in violence, education, and public health. Rochester residents are also experiencing record rent increases.
"As a member of the Housing Task Force, I have faith we will accomplish our charge for a 90 day recommendation on housing," said Councilmember Kim Smith. "As a member of this community who has witnessed the impact of evictions amongst our most vulnerable, I must respond to the immediate need to pass Good Cause Evictions and the No Certificate of Occupancy, No Eviction now."
The measure has the support of over twenty Rochester legal service providers, social service agencies, neighborhood associations, churches, and community groups, including Catholic Family Center, Spiritus Christi, 1199 SEIU, Legal Aid Society, JustCause, Empire Justice, PLEX Neighborhood Association, Free the People Roc, and Citizen Action. Rochester tenants are looking forward to the passage of these protections, which will come after years of advocacy.
"This proposed legislation goes a long way towards establishing a more equal playing field between landlords and tenants, improving the city's housing stock, and reducing unnecessary housing instability, “ said Mike Furlano, Senior Housing Attorney at Empire Justice Center.
"The time is now to stand up on the side of what's right. Far too many families have been pushed out or forced to live in homes that are adding trauma to their lives.," said Clianda Florence, a tenant and mother who was evicted from her home without cause and without a valid Certificate of Occupancy on the property in December 2020. After her eviction, Florence and her family were homeless for over six months. “The time is now to change the seats at the table: accountability has to beocme the main course. Let’s not stop applying pressure!”
"Many landlords that evict tenants do not have a Certificate of Occupancy for their properties. This law will give tenants an opportunity to stay in their communities and hold their landlords accountable," said Liz McGriff, Campaigns Coordinator for the City-Wide Tenant Union of Rochester. “People have built roots into their community. This measure will relieve the trauma and stress of eviction especially for Black and brown folks.”
Click here to join the fight to get this legislation passed.