NEW ROCHELLE, NY (September 29, 2025) — Councilman Shane Osinloye is urging public support for Good Cause Eviction (GCE) legislation, a tenant-focused policy set for a vote on October 15, 2025, aimed at protecting New Rochelle residents from unfair evictions and steep rent increases.
Osinloye, who describes himself as a lifelong New Rochellean, wrote an Op-Ed for the New Roar News calling the legislation is a critical step to address “decades of our tenant neighbors feeling like they have no allies in City Hall.” The policy requires landlords to provide a lawful reason for evicting tenants, such as nonpayment of rent, serious lease violations, or nuisance behavior. It also limits rent increases to a “reasonable” rate, with hikes above 10% or 5% plus the Consumer Price Index subject to challenge.
“People who pay their rent and follow their lease should not be evicted from their homes without a serious reason,” Osinloye said, emphasizing that apartments are not just “inventory” but homes where families live and contribute to the community.
The councilman shared stories of tenants facing dire situations, including a parent whose eviction disrupted their child’s regents exams, a county worker forced to relocate due to a non-renewed lease, and families dealing with severe issues like rat infestations and black mold. “Recalling these horror stories makes my heart hurt and brings tears to my eyes,” he said.
New Rochelle’s leadership is also developing an occupied-unit improvement program to assist small landlords with repairs for existing tenants. The GCE framework, authorized by New York State in the 2025 budget, has been adopted by cities like Albany, Ithaca, and Kingston, he said. It covers tenants without housing assistance, addressing what Osinloye called the “Wild West” of landlord-tenant relations.
The legislation exempts new construction, allowing developers to set initial rents freely, and includes carve-outs for small or elderly landlords to avoid undue burdens. Osinloye refuted claims that GCE is “rent control by another name,” noting it permits rent increases tied to documented costs like taxes or maintenance.
Data from the New York City Comptroller in 2024 showed that 89% of tenants with full legal representation remained stably housed, and evictions dropped significantly with tenant defense investments. Osinloye highlighted that over 20,000 New Rochelle residents are rent-burdened, paying more than 30% of their income on rent.
On October 15, a public hearing at New Rochelle City Hall will allow residents to voice support for GCE. Osinloye called it a chance to preserve “One New Rochelle” by ensuring housing stability for families, workers, and elderly residents on fixed incomes.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.