Council debates scope of proposed ‘good cause’ eviction law, schedules May 5 public hearing

White Plains Common Council members on Monday discussed an introductory local law titled “prohibition on eviction without good cause” and agreed to schedule a public hearing on May 5.

Councilman Frye Pearson urged the council to move quickly, saying residents have described housing security as the community’s top concern and that protections are needed to prevent steep rent increases and evictions. He said other Westchester municipalities have defined a “small landlord” as a one-unit owner and urged the council to adopt that standard to avoid “large loopholes” that could weaken tenant protections.

Councilman Brasch, who said he represents both landlord and tenant interests in his work, expressed support for good-cause eviction but argued the council must choose a threshold that also protects small landlords who may lack legal teams and face financial strain. He said the state statute permits thresholds up to 10 units and urged the council to find a balance that protects tenants while not unduly burdening small property owners.

Both councilors said they expect further review and public comment ahead of the May 5 hearing. The council did not vote on the law Monday; the item was placed on the May 5 agenda for public testimony and additional council consideration.

Statements in the meeting distinguished policy trade-offs: Frye Pearson framed the council’s choice as weighing tenant protections against additional burdens on landlords, while Brasch emphasized practical impacts on small-scale property owners. Neither council member presented a final numeric amendment; Fries Pearson recommended the one-unit threshold used by other Westchester municipalities and Brasch advocated for a higher threshold within the statutory range.

The public hearing will provide an opportunity for residents, tenant advocates and landlords to present testimony before the council takes any final action.