Middletown adopts local law enacting "good cause" eviction protections

MIDDLETOWN — The Middletown Common Council unanimously adopted Local Law No. 2 of 2025 on Tuesday, adopting the “good cause” eviction provisions of Article 6‑A of the New York Real Property Law for the city.

Supporters and public commenters urged the council to approve the strongest version of the measure before the roll call. Vanessa Sid of For The Many said she was “looking forward to tonight’s vote for a good cause eviction on the strongest version.” Jairo Perez, also with For The Many, urged the council to close ownership loopholes, saying, “I’m hopeful that today’s vote will side in favor of good cause.” Bravin Ranga told the council the law would “have a real impact on real tenants and real community members” and asked council members to pass it.

Why it matters: Council members and the mayor framed the vote as a tenant-protection measure intended to reduce arbitrary or economically driven evictions while preserving landlords’ ability to evict for nonpayment, damage or disruptive behavior. Mayor DeStefano said the city backed the resolution after months of committee meetings, discussions with landlords and judges, and revisions that the mayor said protect owner‑occupied housing and do not block evictions for tenant misconduct or unpaid rent.

What the law does: The ordinance…