Schenectady residents and landlords spar over opting into New Yorks good-cause eviction law

Dozens of residents, tenant advocates and landlords filled the public gallery at the Schenectady City Council meeting on June 23, 2025, to press the council on whether the city should opt into New York States 2024 good-cause eviction law.

Supporters said the law would give tenants stability and a safeguard against retaliatory nonrenewals; opponents said it would increase operating costs, prolong evictions and push small landlords out of the rental market.

The debate drew speakers from tenant-organizing groups and landlord associations, and several council members spoke in support of continuing a factual discussion about the ordinance.

"If that eviction can be avoided, it should be," said Colin McNamara, a member of the public who addressed the council during privilege of the floor. Several tenant advocates described cases where tenants said they faced sharp rent increases or nonrenewals after…