Supporters of good cause eviction measures rallied in Albany on Wednesday, a day after the city announced it would appeal a recent court ruling that struck down the city law.
“It undermines our democracy,” community activist Lukee Forbes said. “And it puts thousands of families at risk of losing their homes.”
The law required landlords to provide good cause during eviction proceedings. It also capped annual rent hikes at 5%.
What You Need To Know
- Albany’s good cause eviction law required landlords to provide good cause during eviction proceedings
- A State Supreme Court judge struck down the law, saying it violated state law
- The city is appealing the decision, and advocates are calling for statewide legislation
“It was designed and put together to protect good landlords and good tenants,” Ward 11 Representative Alfredo Balarin said.
Many landlords, however, believed it was an intrusive measure that interfered with their ability to interact with tenants and manage their properties.
“I’m a landlord myself,” said Albany County Legislator Sam Fein. “This law doesn’t scare me because I know good landlords have nothing to fear for this law.”
State Supreme Court Judge Christina Ryba ruled the local law violated state law.
From outside the Capitol on Wednesday, the group called on state lawmakers to step in and step up with statewide legislation. It's been introduced multiple times, including during this past legislative session.
“It’s time that our government officials, our landlords, start to understand. Let's put people first, not profit,” said Ward 10 Representative Owusu Anane.
An attorney representing a number of landlords in opposing the Capital City’s good cause eviction law said he’s confident the ruling will be upheld.