NY A05573

Prohibits landlords from evicting tenants or refusing to renew leases without establishing good cause in court, except for owner-occupied buildings with fewer than four units and certain other premises.

Establishes specific grounds for eviction including: nonpayment of rent (excluding unreasonable increases exceeding 3% or 1.5 times the Consumer Price Index annually), substantial lease violations after 10-day notice to cure, nuisance or property damage, illegal occupancy, illegal use, and unreasonable denial of landlord access.

Allows landlords to evict tenants in buildings with fewer than 12 units for personal use and occupancy as principal residence, except for tenants age 62 or older or disabled persons; permits recovery of only one housing accommodation.

Provides tenants with a cause of action for damages and reasonable attorney's fees if a landlord fraudulently claims the property will be personally occupied when it will not be.

Voids any lease or rental agreement clauses that waive or modify tenant rights under this law as contrary to public policy; requires landlords to comply with all applicable notice requirements and procedures.