Legal Aid Society

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LAS Calls on Mayor de Blasio to Endorse "Good Cause" Legislation

The Legal Aid Society is calling on Mayor Bill de Blasio to voice his support for “Good Cause” legislation which would provide basic eviction protections for tenants living in non-rent stabilized units, as discussed earlier today WNYC’s The Brian Lehrer Show.

Under the proposed law landlords would have to demonstrate a legitimate reason in order to evict tenants. Tenants would be able to advocate for repairs without fear of retaliation and would also be protected against exorbitant rent hikes.

“Good Cause” is supported by a wide range of housing advocates as well as elected officials including gubernatorial candidates Letitia James and Jumaane Williams. Legal Aid is calling on de Blasio, who is also considering a run for Governor, to endorse the statewide protections as well.

When questioned about the law by Lehrer the Mayor refused to commit, but he has previously expressed his support for these exact protections, as reflected in this 2019 op-ed.