Some Answers to FAQs concerning Good Cause Eviction (GCE) – 

• GCE does not not affect owner occupied buildings or landlords with less than 10 units
• GCE still allows a landlord to remove a tenant who does not pay
• GCE still allows a landlord to remove a tenant who has broken the lease 
• GCE does not cost the City of Troy anything

Good Cause Eviction protections are common sense laws that help protect the 65% of Troy who rent their living spaces. Having a home, a place to sleep safely, is a basic human need. Troy can and should take steps to make tenants feel safer. 

As I’ve been speaking to DIstrict 2 residents, walking on steps and using railing where available, and hearing their stories, there is a clear commonality that I’ve observed – many homes are in need of critical safety improvements. BUT, many residents are afraid to report issues to landlords or the city for fear of being forced to vacate. 

Additionally, the law stipulates that a landlord cannot raise rent more than 10% annually*. As someone who grew up with financial insecurity, I know how devastating it could be to a person or family when costs rise dramatically. It’s imperative to keep costs for housing predictable to support the residents in Troy. 

No one should lose their home because they reported a safety issue. No one should lose their home because a landlord unreasonably raised rent. Let’s start to do better and pass Good Cause Eviction. 

*The law states 5% plus the regional Consumer Price Index, or 10%, whichever is lower.