The New Rochelle City Council voted on Oct. 21 to adopt Local Law Intro No. 6, a good‑cause eviction law that limits certain rent increases and adds tenant protections. The measure passed on a roll‑call vote, 6–1.

The vote: The clerk recorded the roll call as follows — Councilmember Joanna Lopez: yes; Councilmember Alfred Tarantino: no; Councilmember Peters: yes; Councilmember Austin Weillier: yes; Councilmember Kaye: yes; Councilmember Stern: yes; Mayor Ramos‑Herbert: yes.

Why it matters: Councilmembers said the law extends tenant protections to a broad segment of local renters. Proponents argued it would protect thousands of families who lack other tenant protections; opponents warned it could burden small, family‑owner landlords unless paired with funding programs.

Debate highlights

- Small‑landlord exemption removed: Councilmember Alfred Tarantino said the legislation “is extremely restrictive” because it removes the small‑landlord exemption and could put pressure on individual owners who rent a second property. He asked for clearer definitions and financial supports for small owners.

- Supporters’ view: Councilmember Stern said the law would help “more than half of New Rochelle’s residents who are renters” and noted the protections still allow rent increases (a 5% cap plus cost‑of‑living adjustments was discussed by councilmembers during debate).

- Pairing with assistance programs: Staff and councilmembers said they are actively developing a multifamily residential rehabilitation program and other funding paths to assist small owners with repairs and compliance. City staff identified potential sources including HUD HOME funds and the city’s affordable housing fund, and said they expect program rollout planning in 2026.

What passed and next steps

- Action adopted: the council adopted the introduction of Local Law Intro No. 6 (good‑cause eviction). City staff said the council’s adoption is the local legislative step to implement the state‑authorized framework and that further program details — especially funding and owner assistance — will be developed and presented to the council.

- Implementation and outreach: Staff said they will work to finalize program design, identify funding sources and return with program details for small‑landlord assistance; staff described a tiered, prioritized approach for multifamily rehab and indicated a target to begin program outreach and implementation in 2026.

The measure is now in the local law stage; administrative rules, program funding and implementation details remain to be developed and will be the subject of future council discussion.