Elected officials and Brooklyn tenants joined together at a community town hall to discuss how the Good Cause Eviction Bill could help tenants from facing large rent hikes and unlawful evictions.  

The crowd inside was full of tenants learning more about the bill and sharing their concerns. If passed, the bill will protect New Yorkers from landlords that increase rent drastically and make it illegal to evict tenants unless they violate the leasing agreements.  

Over 100 renters from Brooklyn showed up to speak with state Sen. Julia Salazar and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher that many feel they’re in jeopardy of losing their homes or being pushed out due to rent increases.  

“Our goal is to get tenant protection into the budget,” said Gallagher. “We are not losing tenants to unaffordable rent and unreasonable harassment.” 

Others also fear that they soon will be at risk of unjust eviction.  

“We are seeing an increasing number of evictions in New York City and across the state,” said Salazar. “We have a lot of unregulated housing in our district, which is what would be impacted by the Good Cause Eviction bill, and we want to make sure tenants know their rights.” 

The state budget is due on April 1, and Salazar estimates that a decision will come on this bill in the next month.