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Housing Advocates Demand Passage of "Good Cause” Legislation

In a letter sent to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Albany leaders, representatives from NYC social justice organizations – including Adriene Holder, Attorney-in-Charge of The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Practice – call for swift action to pass “Good Cause” legislation.

The bill would ensure the renewal of leases for non-regulated housing and curb rent hikes – both long-sought reforms for housing advocates that have only grown in importance amidst the economic fallout of the city and state-mandated shutdown, as reported by the Queens Daily Eagle.

“The current pandemic will surely exacerbate [housing insecurity],” the seven nonprofit officials wrote, “leading to additional evictions, and more New Yorkers facing homelessness — a crisis already at its brim. We must act now to prevent this inequity from compounding once the pandemic subsides.”

The Legal Aid Society and partner organizations warn that if nothing is done, New York will confront a massive disruption in housing subsequent to the lifting of Gov. Cuomo’s eviction moratorium – when landlords will no longer be restrained from initiating eviction proceedings.