Binghamton City Council adopts local law to bar most evictions without good cause

Binghamton City Council on Wednesday, Feb. 12, adopted Local Law L25-01, prohibiting eviction without good cause and adding lease and tenant-protection provisions, in a 7-0 roll-call vote.

Council members and public speakers said the measure is intended to reduce abrupt rent hikes, limit retaliatory or unfair evictions and give renters more housing stability. Council member Rathbone, who introduced the measure, said the city sees the law as "one tool in a broader toolbox to address homelessness and housing instability in the city." He cited local eviction and shelter-use data during the debate.

Supporters told the council the ordinance could prevent avoidable displacement. A public speaker who identified herself as Salka said, "That's a good reason why we need it," adding that landlords were already raising rents because of the prospect of good-cause rules. Council members who spoke in favor described the law as a temporary pause to provide predictability while additional housing and tenant-assistance programs move forward.

Opponents, including landlords and the local real estate association, warned of unintended consequences. Joseph Gail, president of the Greater Binghamton Association of Realtors, urged the council to vote the ordinance down and suggested cooperative alternatives between tenants, landlords and code enforcement. An in-person speaker who identified himself as a small landlord said the measure would act like rent control for small owners and described the potential for higher rents or divestment as a consequence.

Council members said the planning committee made amendments before the vote to clarify the ordinance's effective date and to refine two grounds for removal from tenant protections, specifically the ordinance's definitions of "nuisance" and the parameters that allow a property to be withdrawn from the rental market. Council members also noted outreach including a Jan. 13 town hall and conversations with municipal officials in other New York cities that have considered similar laws.

During debate Council members cited local data: one council member said 960 evictions were filed in Binghamton City Court in 2023, with about 65% resulting in a warrant of eviction; and that in 2024 roughly 840 evictions had been filed, with about 61% resulting in a warrant. The same council member said last year more than 1,250 individuals and 715 families with children used emergency shelter across the county — a figure he described as a 180% increase since 2020.

The law includes a sheltering of landlord rights for standard causes such as nonpayment, nuisance or lease violations; several council members emphasized it would not remove landlords' ability to seek possession for those reasons. Council members also said they plan education and rollout materials for tenants and landlords, including help with leases and informational one-pagers developed with legal services and community partners.

Next steps: the mayor may hold a public hearing and then sign, veto or take no action; council members noted the law will not take effect until it is filed with the New York State Department of State. One council member said the local law includes a sunset provision that will require later reassessment; council members said they expect to revisit implementation and impacts after the law has been in place.

The council vote: Council member Rathmo (aye), Council member Madovetsky (aye), Council member Hotchkiss (aye), Council member Kavanaugh (aye), Council member Middleton (aye), Council member Murray (aye) and Council president Dunton (aye). The motion passed 7-0.