If you own rental property in Brooklyn Heights, you've probably heard the phrase "Good Cause Eviction" tossed around at owner meetups, in online forums, or maybe from your attorney. But here's the thing: a lot of landlords still don't fully understand how this law affects their day-to-day operations, their bottom line, or their ability to manage tenants effectively.
Good Cause Eviction isn't brand new. It's been on the books since April 2024. But as we settle into 2026, the practical implications are becoming clearer, and the consequences of non-compliance are getting real. Whether you own a brownstone with a handful of units or a mid-size building on Montague Street, understanding NYC tenant laws 2026 is no longer optional: it's essential.
Let's break it down.
What Exactly Is Good Cause Eviction?
At its core, Good Cause Eviction is a tenant protection law that applies to market-rate (unregulated) rental units in New York State. Before this law, landlords could generally decline to renew a lease without providing a specific reason. Now? You need a legally recognized "good cause" to remove a tenant from their home.
The law was designed to provide stability for renters who don't benefit from rent stabilization protections. For Brooklyn Heights landlords, this means a significant shift in how you approach lease renewals, rent increases, and eviction proceedings.
Does the Good Cause Eviction Law Apply to Your Brooklyn Heights Property?
Not every unit falls under Good Cause Eviction. Here's a quick breakdown of what's covered and what's exempt:
The law applies to tenants who:
- Rent from landlords owning multiple rental units in New York State
- Pay less than 345% of the Fair Market Rent (roughly $4,900/month for a one-bedroom in 2026)
The law does NOT apply to:
- Rent-stabilized apartments (these have their own set of rules: learn more here)
- Subsidized housing units
- Buildings constructed after 2009
- Owner-occupied buildings with fewer than 11 units
- Condos and co-ops
- Employment-related housing
If you own a classic Brooklyn Heights brownstone with 6 units and you live in one of them, you're likely exempt. But if you own a 15-unit building on Clark Street and don't reside there, your market-rate tenants are almost certainly covered.
What Counts as "Good Cause" for Eviction in 2026?
Here's where things get specific. Under the law, you can only evict a tenant if you can prove one of the following reasons in Housing Court:
- Non-payment of rent – The most straightforward reason, but you still need to follow proper notice procedures
- Substantial lease violations – Think unauthorized subletting, excessive noise complaints, or damage to the property
- Nuisance or illegal activity – This includes drug activity, harassment of other tenants, or criminal behavior in the unit
- Owner or family member personal use – You want to move in yourself or have an immediate family member occupy the unit (but tenants 65+ or those with disabilities cannot be evicted for this reason)
- Withdrawal from the rental market – You're taking the building out of rental use entirely
- Building demolition – You have a legitimate, good-faith plan to demolish the structure
- Business use – You're converting the space for business purposes
- Government violations – The unit has violations that are cost-prohibitive to fix
- Tenant refuses lease renewal – If you've offered a renewal 30-90 days in advance with reasonable terms and they decline
For several of these reasons (like demolition or withdrawal from the market), you'll need to present "clear and compelling evidence" in court. That means documentation, planning permits, and a paper trail showing your intentions are legitimate.
How Does Good Cause Eviction Affect Rent Increases?
This is the part that catches a lot of Brooklyn Heights landlords off guard.
Under Good Cause Eviction, there's now a "local rent standard" that caps how much you can raise rent each year. The formula is:
Inflation rate + 5%, capped at 10% total
Any rent increase above this threshold is considered "unreasonable" under the law. If you try to push through a 15% increase on a market-rate unit, your tenant can challenge it in Housing Court. They can also refuse the renewal on those grounds: and you won't have valid cause to evict them.
For property owners who've historically relied on larger rent bumps to keep pace with rising costs (property taxes, insurance, maintenance), this creates a new reality. You need to track your increases carefully and document the justification for every adjustment.
This is where transparent bookkeeping becomes critical. At Landlord Management (LLM), we help Brooklyn Heights owners maintain detailed financial records that support defensible rent increases: so you're never caught off guard in court.
What Are the Lease Renewal Requirements?
Good Cause Eviction also changed how and when you need to offer lease renewals.
Timing requirements based on tenancy length:
- Tenants with less than 1 year of occupancy: 30 days' notice
- Tenants with 1-2 years of occupancy: 60 days' notice
- Tenants with 2+ years of occupancy: 90 days' notice
And here's the kicker: as of August 18, 2024, every lease, renewal lease, and lease amendment must include specific Good Cause Eviction language informing tenants of their rights. If you're still using old lease templates, you're already out of compliance.
A renewal offer can be deemed "unreasonable" if it includes an excessive rent increase or terms that a court finds unfair. This gives tenants legal ground to refuse: and leaves you without a valid eviction pathway.
How Can Brooklyn Heights Landlords Stay Compliant?
Look, nobody got into property ownership to become an expert in NYC tenant laws 2026. But compliance isn't optional, and the consequences of getting it wrong: court delays, legal fees, tenant disputes: can eat into your returns fast.
Here's how working with Property Management Services in Brooklyn Heights like Landlord Management (LLM) can help you stay ahead:
Legal Assistance and Expertise
Our team stays current on every update to Good Cause Eviction Brooklyn regulations. We help you understand which units are covered, draft compliant lease language, and prepare documentation if you ever need to pursue a legitimate eviction. Learn more about our eviction support services.
Transparent Bookkeeping
Tracking rent increases isn't just good practice: it's your defense in court. We maintain detailed financial records that show exactly how your increases align with the local rent standard. Explore our financial planning services.
Proactive Tenant Communication
Most tenant disputes escalate because of poor communication. Our Secure Online Portal gives tenants a direct line to submit maintenance requests, view lease documents, and receive renewal offers on time. When tenants feel heard, they're less likely to challenge renewals or escalate to Housing Court.
Rent Collection and Eviction Assistance
When non-payment happens, you need a clear process. We handle rent collection, send proper notices, and guide you through the eviction process when you have valid cause: all while keeping you compliant with current regulations.
What Happens If You Don't Comply?
Ignoring Good Cause Eviction doesn't make it go away. If you try to evict a covered tenant without valid cause, or if you push through an unreasonable rent increase, here's what you're looking at:
- Tenant can challenge the eviction in Housing Court – Judges are well-versed in Good Cause requirements, and cases without proper documentation get dismissed
- Court delays and legal fees – A contested eviction can drag on for months, costing you rent revenue and attorney fees
- Tenant may remain in place – If you can't prove good cause, the tenant stays: and you're back to square one
- Reputation damage – Word travels fast in Brooklyn Heights. Tenant advocacy groups track landlord behavior, and a reputation for non-compliance can affect your ability to attract quality tenants
What Should Brooklyn Heights Landlords Do Next?
If you haven't already, now's the time to audit your current leases, review your rent increase history, and make sure your documentation is airtight. Good Cause Eviction Brooklyn isn't going anywhere, and the landlords who thrive in 2026 will be the ones who treat compliance as a baseline, not an afterthought.
Need help navigating these changes? Contact Landlord Management (LLM) to learn how our Property Management Services in Brooklyn Heights can keep you compliant, profitable, and out of Housing Court.