The Newburgh City Council voted unanimously to opt into New York state's Good Cause Eviction law, aimed at protecting tenants from excessive rent increases and unjust evictions.

The law requires landlords to demonstrate "good cause" for evictions or nonrenewals, excluding valid reasons like nonpayment of rent or lease violations. Judges can review proposed rent increases to ensure they are reasonable.

Newburgh declared a housing emergency in December and hopes this law will help stabilize neighborhoods. The city joins five other upstate cities in adopting the state law.