BCW Joins Coalition Opposing “Good Cause Eviction” Bill

The Business Council of Westchester has joined a coalition of Chambers of Commerce across the state that collectively represent more than 12,000 small and large businesses, that is voicing strong opposition to the proposed “Good Cause Eviction” bill which, if enacted, would serve as a “significant threat to the rights of property owners and would lead to virtually no housing production.”

In a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul and Members of the State Legislature, the group said the bill (S.305/A.4454) does not address evictions at all. Instead, it requires that one party to an expired contract must – under penalty of law – offer a contract at capped rates to another party. The letter noted, “Good Cause violates basic contract principles, denying the property owner their contractual right to not renew at the end of a lease term and, therefore, the right to their property until that tenant chooses to vacate. In essence, this bill transfers property ownership rights to a tenant without conveying corresponding obligations.”

The group noted that the current housing crisis faced by New York is a crisis of supply with not enough housing opportunities to meet the needs of New Yorkers. “As a result, rents rise, and the quality of housing degrades. There is virtually no advocate in New York who disagrees with these statements. As New York currently struggles to attract builders of housing, the state is proposing additional regulations that severely limit a property owner’s rights and the potential return on their investment. Under this circumstance, it’s reasonable to believe that virtually no builder will build new rental housing, effectively killing off any new housing starts and deepening the housing crisis in New York State.”

According to the coalition, the proposed legislation would severely limit access to affordable housing across the state and dramatically limit the state’s ability to attract and retain businesses of all sizes.

In addition to the BCW, others in the coalition include Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Capital Region Chamber, Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and North Country Chamber of Commerce.