Binghamton City Council Passes Good Cause Eviction Law

The Binghamton City Council unanimously passed the Good Cause Eviction Law, which aims to protect tenants from unjust evictions and unreasonable rent hikes. The legislation, which has received support from other New York municipalities, prohibits landlords from evicting tenants without justification and allows for lease renewals if tenants are in good standing. Despite its passage, Mayor Jared Kraham expressed concerns about the law's potential negative impact on the housing market, arguing that it could drive away quality landlords and discourage investments in rental properties. City Council members emphasized the urgent need for such protections due to a housing crisis affecting nearly 2,000 individuals in Broome County last year. The council plans to distribute educational materials and develop monitoring strategies to assess the law's effectiveness. Mayor Kraham has 30 days to sign or veto the legislation, which is viewed as a significant step towards housing stability in Binghamton.