The Legal Aid Society has released a video sharing the story of a New York City family of ten who are currently facing eviction from their unregulated apartment in the Bronx.

After denying the family’s request to renew their lease, their landlord is now attempting to force the family out of their home — a process that, under current law, is legal as landlords of unregulated buildings do not have to provide justification for evicting tenants.

Thomas Ellis, his wife Cindy Reyes, and their eight children deserve basic tenant protections and lawmakers in Albany have the opportunity to provide them via ​​“Good Cause,” legislation which would require landlords to demonstrate a justification for evicting tenants in unregulated units. It would also protect tenants from exorbitant rent hikes, restricting rent increases to either three percent or 1.5 times the inflation rate, whichever is higher.

The budget-neutral legislation would prevent landlords from denying lease renewals to tenants who have consistently abided by the terms of their leases, allowing tenants to advocate for repairs without the fear of retaliation.

Legal Aid is calling on Sate legislators to pass “Good Cause” this session to protect tenants across New York State.