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Tenant advocate urges Schenectady to adopt 'good cause' eviction protections
Summary
A resident urged the City of Schenectady to adopt a good-cause eviction ordinance to bolster tenant stability and cap certain rent increases.
Sean Ratigan, a resident who said he lives near many renters in Schenectady, urged the City Council on April 28 to adopt a good-cause eviction ordinance to protect tenant stability.
“Good cause eviction allows landlords to increase rent due to increased costs, but a tenant can challenge rent increases beyond 10% or 55% over the consumer price index, whichever is lower,” Ratigan said during public comment. He argued that protections would let long-term tenants remain in their homes if they meet lease requirements and pay rent on time.
Ratigan said landlords “who treat their tenants with respect, provide proper services, avoid unjust evictions, and exorbitant rent increases have nothing to fear from good cause eviction.” He asked the council to “opt in to Good Cause Eviction.”
Why it matters: Ratigan framed his request as a response to rising rents and a majority-renter city housing stock. He said the policy would give tenants legal mechanisms to challenge large rent increases and reduce displacement risks. The council did not take action on the request at the meeting; the comment was heard during the public-comment portion of the agenda.
The transcript does not record any staff response or council direction on drafting an ordinance during the meeting.
