Syracuse Lawmakers Debate 'Good Cause Eviction' Bill

Tenants and landlords pack city hall to sway vote on law giving tenants right to sue over 'unreasonable' evictions.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Dozens of people, from eager tenants to worried landlords, packed the Syracuse Common Council chamber on Thursday evening to voice their opinions on an upcoming vote over the 'Good Cause Eviction' bill. City lawmakers are set to vote on Monday on whether to opt in to a state law that would give tenants the right to sue their landlords over what they deem as an unreasonable eviction. Supporters say the law is needed to address the housing crisis, while landlords argue it would make it too difficult to evict problem tenants.

Why it matters

The 'Good Cause Eviction' bill is a controversial measure that has sparked intense debate between tenants' rights advocates and landlords. The outcome of Syracuse's vote could set a precedent for other cities in New York state that are considering whether to opt in to the law.

The details

The 'Good Cause Eviction' bill would limit the reasons for eviction to 'good causes' like failure to pay rent or causing a nuisance. City auditor Alex Marion has been a vocal supporter, arguing the law would curb unfair eviction practices. But landlords like Joshua Jones say the bill is overreaching and would make it harder to remove problem tenants. Tenant Lucas Lasieg sees the law as a first step to solving the housing crisis, while Jones disagrees, saying 'this is not the answer to solve them.'

  • The Syracuse Common Council is scheduled to vote on the 'Good Cause Eviction' bill on Monday, February 24, 2026.
  • The state legislature passed the 'Good Cause Eviction' law in 2024, but cities have to opt in for it to take effect (except for New York City, where it took effect automatically).

The players

Alex Marion

Syracuse city auditor and vocal advocate for the 'Good Cause Eviction' bill.

Joshua Jones

A landlord who owns five properties in Syracuse and has criticized the 'Good Cause Eviction' bill as overreaching.

Lucas Lasieg

A tenant from Liverpool, New York who showed up to voice support for Syracuse tenants and sees the 'Good Cause Eviction' law as a first step to solving the housing crisis.

Marty Nave

A Syracuse city councilor who recently spoke in favor of opting in to the 'Good Cause Eviction' law, but says he needs to reflect further before Monday's decision.

Hanah Ehrenreich

The Syracuse city councilor who recently sponsored the return of the 'Good Cause Eviction' bill to the council's agenda.

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What they’re saying

“If you are looking to evict people for no reason and you are not renewing leases, for no reason, yes, this will affect your business practice, but your business practices are not that good to begin with.”

— Alex Marion, Syracuse city auditor (localsyr.com)

“We don't want our houses one-size-fits-all. If we're going to solve the problem we need to look at each individual problem and come up with a solution specifically for it.”

— Joshua Jones, Landlord (localsyr.com)

“We have a rapid increase in homelessness, people are dying in the streets, people are starving.”

— Lucas Lasieg, Tenant (localsyr.com)

What’s next

The Syracuse Common Council is scheduled to vote on whether to opt in to the 'Good Cause Eviction' law on Monday, February 24, 2026.

The takeaway

The debate over the 'Good Cause Eviction' bill in Syracuse highlights the ongoing tensions between tenants' rights advocates and landlords across New York state. The outcome of the city's vote could influence whether other municipalities choose to adopt similar measures aimed at curbing unfair evictions and addressing the housing crisis.