Can my landlord make me move out in New York City?
Only for a listed reason.
Why, and the exact law
In a rent stabilized home, the owner must offer you a renewal lease 90–150 days before yours ends.
Depends on the year the building was built or the number of units.
From N.Y.C. Rent Stabilization Code § 2523.5, read Oct 6, 2026.Show the law
“In New York City, the owner must give written
notice of renewal by mail or personal delivery
not more than 150 days and not less than 90
days before the existing lease expires on a
DHCR Renewal Lease Form (RTP-8)”
Get free legal helpLegal aid for tenants who got a notice.LawHelpNY
Every rule here, word for word (6)
State law applies here too. Where both cover a rental, the stricter city rule usually wins; each rule below says so.
New York City lawDepends on the building
NYC Rent Stabilization Code: lease renewal and non-renewal
Can my landlord make me move out?
Only for a listed reason.
In a rent stabilized home, the owner must offer you a renewal lease 90–150 days before yours ends.
Depends on the year the building was built or the number of units.
Who it covers
Buildings built before Jan 1, 1974.
Buildings with 6 or more units.
Covers: Rent stabilized apartments only.
The law, word for word
“In New York City, the owner must give written
notice of renewal by mail or personal delivery
not more than 150 days and not less than 90
days before the existing lease expires on a
DHCR Renewal Lease Form (RTP-8)”
Court-process requirement, eviction grounds and nonpayment rent demand
Can my landlord make me move out?
Only through a court, with a judgment.
To evict you, a landlord can't change locks or cut utilities. Unpaid rent needs a 14-day written demand.
The law, word for word
“A tenant can be legally evicted only after the landlord has brought a court proceeding and has obtained a judgment of possession …”
N.Y. Real Prop. Acts. Law § 749 · ag.ny.gov · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026
New York City lawDepends on the building
NYC Rent Stabilization Code / Rent and Eviction Regulations: eviction grounds and termination notices
Can my landlord make me move out?
Yes, only for listed reasons, through court.
Many reasons need a warning first, like 7 days to fix a violation.
It depends on whether the home is rent stabilized.
Who it covers
Covers: Tenants subject to NYC Rent Stabilization Code or NYC Rent and Eviction Regulations.
The law, word for word
“The owner must notify the tenant in
writing that a lease renewal offer will not be made
and this termination notice must be served at
least 90 and not more than 150 days prior to the
expiration of the lease …”
New York City Rent Stabilization Code; New York City Rent and Eviction Regulations · hcr.ny.gov · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026
New York lawIn force
Advance notice of non-renewal or rent increase over 5% (non-regulated units)
Can my landlord make me move out?
30, 60 or 90 days' written notice.
For a raise over 5% or no renewal: 30 days if you've lived there under a year, 60 under two years, 90 after that.
Who it covers
Exemptions: Rent regulated units follow separate renewal rules.
The law, word for word
“If you have lived in your apartment two or more years, or if you have a two-year lease, your landlord must provide you with 90 days advanced written notice before raising your rent or not renewing your lease;”
N.Y. Real Property Law (notice of rent increase over 5% or non-renewal) · ag.ny.gov · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026
New York lawDepends on the building
Retaliatory eviction protections
Can my landlord make me move out?
Not as payback for complaints.
If they evict you within 1 year of a complaint, the court assumes it's payback.
Depends on the number of units or whether the owner lives in the building.
Who it covers
Not owner-occupied buildings with 3 units or fewer.
Exemptions: Owner-occupied dwellings with fewer than four units.
The law, word for word
“It is illegal for landlords in New York to retaliate against tenants for participating in tenant organizations …”
N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 223-b · ag.ny.gov · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026
New York lawDepends on the building
New York Good Cause Eviction Law
Can my landlord make me move out?
Yes, in most covered homes.
Evictions need a good reason, but homes rented above 245% of fair market rent are not covered.
It depends on whether property is in New York City or a municipality that opted into the GCE law.
Who it covers
Covers: In effect in NYC under RPL § 212; other municipalities must opt in by local law under § 213 (list of 19 localities in notice).
Exemptions: Units above the FMR percentage threshold; small landlord definition set by each opt-in locality.
In force since
Apr 20, 2024
Enacted
Apr 20, 2024
The law, word for word
“In New York
City and in any municipality other than New York City that adopts the GCE law and does not
provide for a different fair market rent threshold, the GCE law does not cover a rental unit rented
for more than 245% of fair market rent …”
N.Y. Real Prop. Law art. 6-A · hcr.ny.gov · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026