NY A04454

Prohibits landlords from evicting tenants or failing to renew leases except for good cause, applying to most residential housing except owner-occupied buildings with fewer than four units, sublets for personal use, employment-related housing, and properties already regulated under state or federal good cause laws.

Establishes nine grounds for tenant removal: nonpayment of rent (excluding unreasonable increases exceeding 3% or 1.5 times the Consumer Price Index annually), substantial lease violations uncured after 10-day notice, nuisance or property damage, illegal occupancy requiring government vacate order, illegal use of the unit, unreasonable denial of landlord access for repairs or showings, landlord's good faith need for personal occupancy in buildings under 12 units (except for tenants 62+ or disabled), and landlord's good faith personal occupancy need in buildings under 5 units.

Prohibits rent increases imposed to circumvent the law and allows tenants to cure violations related to law violations at their own expense, with costs applied against rent owed to the landlord.

Provides remedies for fraudulent misrepresentation of intended housing use, including damages, declaratory and injunctive relief, and reasonable attorney's fees for prevailing tenants.

Voids any lease provisions waiving tenant rights under this law and requires landlords to comply with all applicable notice and service requirements; effective immediately upon enactment.