Know Your Rights
Hard-won protections that give Hudson Valley tenants the power to fight back
The Hudson Valley is an epicenter of the housing crisis currently gripping the nation. Rents are drastically out of step with wages and eviction cases have soared, leading to the mass displacement of our communities.
While Hudson Valley tenants have been under siege, they have also led the fight for tenant protections in New York. Through a combination of statewide campaigns and local efforts, Hudson Valley tenants helped win a series of new protections that allow tenants to organize and change the power dynamics between them and their landlords.
Recently Won Rights
Good Cause Eviction
2024In 2024, the New York State Legislature passed a version of Good Cause Eviction that guarantees tenants the right to lease renewals and an annual rent cap of 8.45%. It also requires landlords to provide good reasons when evicting tenants, such as non-payment of rent.
Key Protections:
- Guaranteed right to lease renewals
- Annual rent increase cap of 8.45%
- Landlords must provide valid reasons for eviction
Unfortunately, the state required municipalities to opt into Good Cause, so not every tenant is covered. In the Hudson Valley, however, 12 cities and towns have already opted in!
Protected Cities & Towns:
Rent Stabilization
2019 ExpansionIn rent stabilized cities, an appointed board determines how much landlords can adjust rent each year. These boards have tenant representation and public hearings that allow tenant testimony.
The Fight for Expansion:
For the last several decades, only NYC and a few towns in surrounding counties were allowed to have rent stabilization under the Emergency Tenant Protection Act. The tenant movement fought to strengthen and expand ETPA, and in 2019 they passed a law allowing upstate municipalities to opt in.
Historic Victory:
Kingston became the first upstate city to opt in, and in 2022 approved the first ever 15% rent reduction in New York State history!
The Fight Continues:
Other cities have had their attempts to opt in stopped in court, which is why we need to pass the REST Act to expand rent stabilization across the Hudson Valley and for buildings built more recently than 1974.
Tenant Dignity and Safe Housing
Enhanced 2024For decades, tenants have technically been protected from unsafe or unsanitary conditions due to the Warrant of Habitability. However, only in 2024 were tenants able to win the right to proactively sue landlords if these rights are violated.
What This Means:
- Tenants can now take legal action before conditions become dangerous
- Landlords face real consequences for neglecting properties
- Protection from unsafe and unsanitary living conditions
NEW IN 2024: Tenants can now proactively sue landlords who violate habitability standards, giving you real power to demand safe, dignified housing.
Use Your Rights - Organize Today
These rights are powerful tools, but they work best when tenants stand together. Join the Hudson Valley Tenants Union to learn how to use these protections effectively.