RPL 231-C – Good Cause Eviction Law Notice

Jurisdiction: Country: United States | Province or State: New York

What is an RPL 231-C – Good Cause Eviction Law Notice?

The RPL 231-C – Good Cause Eviction Law Notice is a required disclosure. It informs residential tenants in New York about Good Cause Eviction protections. It tells the tenant whether their home is covered by the law. It also states why the home is covered or exempt. It explains what “good cause” means for renewals and evictions. It sets out information that the tenant needs to review any rent increase, nonrenewal, or termination. You attach it to the lease or any related notice. You also use it in a court case that relies on the law.

The notice is tied to New York’s Good Cause Eviction framework. That framework limits evictions and nonrenewals for covered homes. It also limits removal based on an unreasonable rent increase. The law lists grounds that count as “good cause.” The notice should describe those grounds in plain language. It should show how they apply to the unit and the tenant. The notice also identifies clear statutory exemptions. Exemptions remove a unit from coverage under the Good Cause rules.

Who typically uses this form?

Landlords use it for compliance. Property managers use it in daily operations. Attorneys use it to prepare or challenge housing cases. Tenants use it to understand their rights before signing or responding. Courts use it to check whether a matter can proceed. Housing counselors and mediators also rely on it to help both sides.

Why would you need this form?

You need it to comply with the New York disclosure law. You need it when you sign or renew a lease. You need it when you serve a rent increase, a nonrenewal, or a termination notice. You need it when you start a summary proceeding in housing court. If you are a tenant, you need it to see if your home is covered. It shows what defenses may be available to you.

Common usage scenarios

You are a landlord renewing a lease in a covered municipality. You attach the notice to the renewal offer. You mark the unit as covered and state the tenant’s rights. You list the proposed rent, the percent change, and the basis. Or you plan a significant rent increase. You serve the notice with the rent increase letter. You explain why the increase is reasonable under the law. If you claim a statutory exemption, you check that box and state the facts. For a nonrenewal, you serve the notice with the predicate letter. You state the specific “good cause” and the supporting facts. For a termination based on breach or nuisance, you serve the notice with the cure or termination notice. If you file in court, you attach a copy to your petition or pleadings. As a tenant, you review the notice at lease signing. You keep it with your records. You compare any later notice to what you received at the start.

The notice is residential. It does not apply to commercial leases. It does not replace other required New York disclosures. Examples include habitability, sprinkler, or flood notices. You still provide those separately where required.

When Would You Use an RPL 231-C – Good Cause Eviction Law Notice?

You should use this notice at key points in the tenancy. Use it at the lease signing for a covered or potentially covered unit. Hand it to the tenant with the lease. Make sure it discloses coverage or exemption status. Use it again at the lease renewal. Attach it to the renewal form or offer. Update any changed facts, such as municipal coverage status. Use it when you serve a rent increase. Include it with the letter that states the new rent. State why the increase is reasonable, if the home is covered. Use it for a non-renewal. Serve it with your non-renewal notice. State the specific “good cause” and the facts. Use it for a termination based on a lease breach. Attach it to your notice to cure or terminate. Use it at the start of a court case. Attach it to the petition. Be ready to show proof of service.

Landlords use the notice to comply and preserve claims. Property managers use it to keep files clean and complete. Attorneys use it to build or contest the record. Tenants use it to check coverage and challenge defective notices. Courts use it to confirm statutory compliance. You should also use the notice when coverage status changes. Some municipalities adopt coverage at different times. If coverage begins during a tenancy, send an updated notice. You can include it with the next renewal or rent notice.

Consider a rent increase example. You manage a two-bedroom unit in a city that uses Good Cause. You plan a rent increase for the next term. You issue a written increase with the notice. You list the current rent, the proposed rent, and the percent change. You explain the basis for the change, such as rising costs or improvements. You include the notice so the tenant can assess reasonableness.

Consider an exemption example. You own a recently built property that is exempt for a set period. You state the exemption in the notice. You explain the facts that make the unit exempt. You keep documents that support the exemption. You attach them if you later serve a non-renewal.

Consider a nonrenewal example. You need the unit for owner occupancy, if allowed. You serve a detailed non-renewal letter. You attach the notice. You identify the good cause ground and the responsible occupant. You include the required timing. You keep proof of service for the court.

Consider a breach example. The tenant has a substantial lease violation. You serve a notice to cure and state the facts. You attach the notice that lists the good cause ground. You provide access dates and cure steps if required. You document conditions with photos and logs. You avoid vague or generic statements.

Tenants also use the notice. You receive a rent increase and the notice. You compare the percent change to your costs and the market. You review the stated basis. You request backup if the basis is unclear. You keep the notice for any later dispute.

Legal Characteristics of the RPL 231-C – Good Cause Eviction Law Notice

Is the notice legally binding?

The notice itself is a statutory disclosure. It is not a lease amendment. It does not replace the lease or alter rent terms by itself. It does not create a new contract. But it is legally required. Courts expect to see it where Good Cause applies. Failing to provide it can block or delay your case. It can also be a defense to a nonrenewal or increase. If you are a landlord, you should treat it as mandatory.

What ensures enforceability?

The statute requires content and timing. Service with predicate notices gives tenants fair warning. The notice clarifies coverage, exemptions, and grounds. Those facts set the frame for any court review. If your facts match your pleadings, courts can rely on the record. If your facts shift without reason, courts may reject your claims. Signed acknowledgments support proof of delivery. A certificate of service strengthens your file. Complete attachments show you acted in good faith.

The notice supports due process. It gives tenants clear information at key steps. It minimizes surprise in housing court. It forces parties to focus on real facts. It also reduces confusion about coverage and exemptions. Courts look for specific, concrete statements. Vague or boilerplate language hurts credibility. So you should be specific and concise.

What counts as “good cause”?

The statute lists grounds that justify nonrenewal or eviction. Typical grounds include nonpayment of rent. They include a substantial breach of a material lease term. They include persistent late payment. They include causing or permitting a serious nuisance. They include illegal activity in the unit. They include unreasonably denying lawful access. They can include owner move-in, if conditions are met. They can include demolition or major rehabilitation with proper approvals. Some grounds require a cure notice first. Others allow termination without a cure if harm is ongoing or severe.

What is an unreasonable rent increase?

The law protects tenants against removal based on an unreasonable increase. The statute and regulations define reasonableness using factors and thresholds. Common factors include inflation, costs, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and capital work. The notice should state the proposed increase and the basis. It should avoid buzzwords and vague claims. You should provide dollar figures and dates. You should note improvements or increased services. You should avoid including fees not allowed as rent.

What about exemptions?

The law exempts certain units and owners. Exemptions often include homes already under rent regulation. They can include new construction for a set period. They can include certain owner-occupied properties. They can include housing tied to specific programs or institutions. They can include some small owners based on unit count. The exact categories are defined by statute. The notice should state the specific exemption and the facts. Do not assume an exemption without support. Keep permits, certificates, or registration proof where needed.

General legal considerations apply across the board. You cannot waive Good Cause rights by contract. Any waiver clause is void. You must serve notices using accepted methods and timelines. You must identify all tenants of record and any occupants as required. You should use plain language that a layperson can understand. You should keep a complete file for each unit. You should be consistent across notices and pleadings. You should never retaliate for a tenant exercising rights. You should avoid discrimination. You should never use the notice to mislead. Courts penalize false statements and bad faith.

The notice does not replace other predicate steps. A rent demand still requires its own notice. A notice to cure still needs factual detail and a cure period when required. A nonrenewal must still meet any timing rules in the lease and statute. The Good Cause notice accompanies those steps. It does not fix a defective predicate notice.

How to Fill Out a RPL 231-C – Good Cause Eviction Law Notice

Follow these steps to prepare a complete and compliant notice. Use clear, factual statements. Keep copies of everything you send.

1) Identify the property and unit.

• Write the full street address. Include the unit or apartment number.
• List the city or town, county, and ZIP Code.
• Identify the building type, if helpful, such as multi-family or condo.
• State whether parking, storage, or other areas are included.

2) Identify the parties.

• List the legal name of the landlord or owner.
• If an entity owns the unit, include the entity name and contact person.
• List the managing agent, if any, with mailing address, phone, and email.
• List every adult tenant of record by full name. Add “and all occupants” if allowed.

3) State the purpose of the notice.

• Check the box that applies: lease signing, renewal, rent increase, nonrenewal, or termination.
• If a court case is pending, include the index or docket number if available.
• If this accompanies a predicate notice, name that document.

4) Determine coverage or exemption.

• Check “Covered by Good Cause Eviction Law” if you believe the unit is covered.
• If covered, proceed to step 5 and step 6.
• If exempt, check “Exempt” and select the specific exemption category.
• Examples include rent-regulated housing, certain new construction, certain owner-occupied properties, certain small owners, and specific program housing.
• Briefly state the facts that support the exemption, with dates.
• Attach supporting proof, such as a certificate of occupancy or registration.
• If you are unsure, state that coverage is uncertain and explain why. Do not guess.

5) Describe tenant rights under Good Cause (if covered).

• Insert the required statutory summary language, if your template contains it.
• State that evictions and nonrenewals require good cause for covered homes.
• State that removal based on an unreasonable rent increase is restricted.
• State that tenants can raise defenses in court.
• Avoid legal jargon. Use short, clear sentences.

6) Provide rent details and any proposed change.

• State the current lawful rent. Include the date it took effect.
• If a new rent is proposed, state the proposed amount and effective date.
• Show the dollar increase and the percent increase.
• List any separate charges you claim as rent, if permitted. Be careful here.
• If you rely on improvements or increased services, describe them with dates and costs.
• If you rely on rising expenses, list the cost categories briefly.

7) State the good cause ground (if nonrenewal or termination).

• Choose the specific ground from the statute’s list.
• Do not list multiple grounds unless you have facts for each.
• Use concrete facts: dates, events, and evidence.
• For nonpayment, itemize the months, amounts, and credits. Exclude unlawful fees.
• For a breach, cite the lease clause and describe the conduct.
• For nuisance, describe specific incidents, dates, and impacts.
• For illegal use, state the nature of the use and any official findings.
• For denial of access, list the access dates offered and responses.
• For owner occupancy, identify the person who will occupy and their relation. State the timeline and any required conditions.
• For demolition or major rehab, identify approvals and attach permits, if available.
• If a cure is allowed, set a clear cure deadline and method.

8) Include municipal coverage information.

• State the municipality where the unit is located.
• State whether that municipality is currently covered by the law.
• If coverage is based on local action, state the effective date you rely on.
• If coverage recently changed, explain the change and date.

9) Include any required attachments.

• Attach the lease or renewal offer, if relevant.
• Attach the rent ledger for the last 12 months, if rent is at issue.
• Attach bills, permits, or contractor invoices that support your basis.
• Attach any registration or regulatory proof for exemptions.
• Attach photos, logs, or inspection reports for breach or nuisance claims.

10) Set response and contact information.

• Give a contact name for questions or documents.
• Provide a mailing address, phone number, and email.
• Offer reasonable times for access or meetings if curing a breach.
• If you will accept payment online or by mail, state the method and address.

11) Choose and execute the service method.

• Use a method accepted for housing notices in New York.
• Options include personal delivery, substituted service, and mail.
• If your lease allows email service, note the tenant consent.
• Record the date and method for each tenant served.
• Prepare an affidavit or certificate of service. Sign and date it.

12) Signatures and acknowledgments.

• The landlord or agent signs and dates the notice.
• Print the signer’s name and title.
• Tenants may acknowledge receipt by signature and date. This is helpful but not required.
• If a tenant refuses to sign, note “refused” and complete service anyway.

13) Keep records.

• Keep a complete copy of the signed notice and all attachments.
• Keep proof of service with dates and methods.
• Store cost documents that support rent changes.
• Maintain a timeline of events for any asserted ground.

14) Review for consistency and clarity.

• Confirm that facts match any lease, notices, or court pleadings.
• Remove boilerplate that does not apply to this unit.
• Avoid internal contradictions, such as claiming both coverage and exemption.
• Use plain language. Keep sentences short. Avoid legalese.

15) Update when facts change.

• If coverage status changes, issue an updated notice at the next step.
• If you withdraw a rent increase or a claim, state that in writing.
• If you discover new facts, update your records. Serve a supplemental notice when appropriate.

Practical tips as you complete the form:

• Be precise with dates, amounts, and names. Accuracy matters.
• Do not overstate your case. Stick to provable facts.
• If you rely on an exemption, keep the proof in the file. You may need it later.
• For rent increases, document your basis. Courts look for real numbers.
• For breach claims, include a cure if required. Give access dates and options.
• For nonrenewals, give the correct lead time. Follow the lease and statute.
• Translate the notice if the lease was negotiated in another language. Use the same language where practical.
• Do not include sensitive data that is not needed. Protect privacy.

You now have a complete roadmap to prepare the notice. If you follow each step, you reduce risk. You also give the tenant clear information at the right time. That helps both sides resolve issues faster.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• Good cause means a legally valid reason to refuse renewal or seek eviction. It usually involves serious lease breaches, chronic nonpayment, or other substantial issues. On this form, you explain that a tenant cannot be evicted or denied renewal without good cause if the unit is covered.
• Covered unit refers to a home that falls under the law’s protections. Some homes are exempt based on factors like building type or owner occupancy. On the notice, you identify whether the unit is covered or exempt, and why.
• Exemption means the unit or owner is not subject to the good cause rules. Typical exemptions may include small owner-occupied buildings, new construction, or other categories. Your form should list the applicable exemption, if any, in plain terms.
• Material noncompliance is a significant lease or legal violation, not a minor annoyance. Examples include illegal activity or subletting without permission. The notice summarizes that eviction generally requires more than minor issues.
• Rent increase threshold is the limit above which a proposed rent increase may be considered unreasonable without good cause. The threshold is set by law or formula. The form explains that increases beyond the threshold can trigger protections.
• Notice of rights is the document you give the tenant explaining the law. It outlines coverage, exemptions, and the good cause standard. This form is your official notice of rights.
• Service means how you deliver the notice. It must be done in a way that the law accepts, and you can prove. The form should include the service method and date, or you should attach proof of service.
• Cure opportunity means a tenant’s chance to fix a problem before stronger action follows. For some issues, you must give time to heal. The good cause notice alerts tenants that not all violations lead straight to eviction.
• Retaliatory eviction is an unlawful attempt to remove a tenant for asserting rights, reporting issues, or joining a tenant group. The form helps set expectations, making clear that lawful tenant actions do not justify eviction.
• Month-to-month tenancy is a rental without a fixed end date that renews each month. Good cause rules can still apply to these tenancies if the unit is covered. The notice should address renewals and increases for month-to-month tenants, too.

FAQs

Do you need to serve this notice on every tenant?

If the unit is covered, you should deliver the notice to each named tenant. You also include it with new leases and renewal offers. If the unit is exempt, you still complete the form and check the correct exemption. That way you document why you are not applying the protections. Keep proof of who received it and when.

Do you need a tenant’s signature on the notice?

You should ask for signatures to confirm delivery, but the lack of a signature does not excuse you from the duty to serve. If a tenant refuses to sign, document the delivery method and date. Use a verifiable method of service. File an internal affidavit of service or a delivery log. Attach any mail receipts or email confirmations.

Do you serve the notice only once, or at renewals too?

Serve it with each new lease and at each renewal, even for month-to-month tenancies. If you propose a rent increase, share the notice with the increase letter. If the law changes, update your notice and serve the new version on the timeline the law requires. Calendar each building’s renewal cycles so you do not miss a window.

Can you send the notice by email?

Use a method the law allows, and you can prove. Email may be acceptable if the tenant agreed in writing to receive notices electronically. If not, deliver in person or by an accepted mail method. Consider using two methods for belt-and-suspenders proof. Always record the date, time, and address for delivery.

What if you are not sure whether a unit is covered or exempt?

Complete the notice anyway. Explain your coverage assessment in clear terms and check the relevant box. If facts are uncertain, note the basis for your current position. Update the file if the facts change, such as a change in owner occupancy. Avoid leaving the coverage section blank.

Do you need to translate the notice?

If you know a tenant’s primary language, provide a copy in that language when available. Use a plain, accurate translation that mirrors the English notice. Keep both versions in your file. If you cannot provide a translation, deliver the English version on time and document efforts to communicate the content.

What happens if you do not provide the notice?

Failure to provide the notice can affect your position in a dispute. A court may pause a case or disregard a proposed increase until notice is given. It can also create delays and extra costs. Serving the notice on time, with proof, prevents these issues. Make it a standard part of your leasing workflow.

How should you handle roommates, successors, or new occupants?

Serve the notice on each named tenant. If a new household member becomes a tenant under the lease, serve the notice on them too. When a tenant leaves, and another remains, keep the notice with the remaining tenant’s renewal file. When in doubt, add the new occupant to the next delivery and record it.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the RPL 231-C – Good Cause Eviction Law Notice

Before signing: Gather information and documents

• Property details: street address, unit number, and legal description if available.
• Ownership and agent details: owner name, mailing address, and management contact.
• Tenant information: full legal names for all adult tenants and any guarantors.
• Lease data: start date, end date, rent amount, and terms for utilities or services.
• Coverage assessment: basis for coverage or exemption, with supporting facts.
• Rent history: current rent, last increase date, and proposed new rent if any.
• Translations: language preference noted for each tenant, if known.
• Service plan: acceptable delivery methods and tenant consent for email, if any.
• Internal forms: affidavit of service template and delivery log.
• Updated notice template: ensure the current statutory language is used.

During signing: Sections to verify

• Names: confirm spelling and legal names for each tenant and the owner or agent.
• Unit identification: confirm the correct unit and, if applicable, floor or apartment letter.
• Coverage box: check covered or exempt, and state the reason clearly and briefly.
• Good cause summary: ensure the explanation matches current statutory language.
• Rent figures: double-check numbers for current and proposed rent and any fees.
• Effective dates: confirm lease terms, renewal dates, and increase the effective date.
• Contact details: list a working phone and email for the owner or agent.
• Signatures: obtain signatures from the owner or agent and each tenant present.
• Dates: date every signature and initial any corrections visibly.
• Attachments: include the lease, renewal offer, or rent increase letter if relevant.

After signing: Filing, notifying, and storing

• Serve the notice: deliver by your chosen method and note the date and time.
• Record service: complete an affidavit of service or delivery log entry.
• Distribute copies: give a signed copy to each tenant; keep one in the file.
• Update your system: upload PDFs to your property management software.
• Calendar reminders: set renewal and notice deadlines for the next cycle.
• Track exceptions: flag units with uncertain coverage for periodic review.
• Correct errors: if you find a mistake, issue a corrected notice with a cover note.
• Keep proof: retain copies of mail receipts, email confirmations, and signed forms.
• Train staff: brief leasing and maintenance teams on when and how to deliver the notice.
• Audit annually: run a file audit before peak renewal season to ensure compliance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid RPL 231-C – Good Cause Eviction Law Notice

Leaving the coverage section blank

• Consequence: Tenants may claim full protections by default, and you lose clarity.
• Fix: Always select covered or exempt and state the factual basis.

Misstating rent figures or effective dates

• Consequence: Disputes over increases, late renewals, or billing errors.
• Fix: Cross-check rent history and lease terms. Use a second review.

Using an unapproved service method

• Consequence: A court may disregard the notice, delaying your timeline.
• Fix: Use a verifiable method allowed by law or by the lease, and document it.

Relying on an outdated notice template

• Consequence: Missing required language can undermine your position.
• Fix: Update your template whenever the law or standard language changes.

Failing to keep proof of delivery

• Consequence: You cannot prove compliance when challenged.
• Fix: Maintain affidavits, receipts, and signed copies for each tenant and event.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form RPL 231-C – Good Cause Eviction Law Notice

1. Deliver the notice using a method you can prove. If tenants agreed to email, send a PDF, and request confirmation. If not, deliver in person or by an accepted mail method. Consider using two methods for important deadlines.
2. Document delivery right away. Complete an affidavit of service or delivery log. Attach mail receipts, tracking pages, or email confirmations. Save all items to the unit’s file.
3. If you are issuing a renewal or a rent increase, include the notice in the same packet. Reference the notice in your cover letter. State the effective date and the proposed rent clearly.
4. Store the signed notice with the current lease. Upload a digital copy to your system. Label files consistently so you can find them during audits or disputes.
5. If the notice needs correction, issue a corrected version promptly. Include a short cover note stating what changed and why. Re-serve and document that delivery.
6. If a unit’s coverage status changes, update your files. Serve a new notice that reflects the current status. Keep both versions in the record with dates.
7. Plan ahead for renewals. Set calendar reminders 90–120 days before lease end. Prepare renewal offers and updated notices together. This reduces errors and missed deadlines.
8. Train your team. Make the notice part of your standard checklists at new lease, renewal, and any proposed rent increase. Spot-check files monthly to ensure compliance across all units.
9. If a tenant asks questions, respond in writing. Clarify whether the unit is covered and what good cause means in practice. Keep the tone factual and consistent with the notice language.
10. If a dispute arises, pull the file. Include the lease, notices, service proof, and rent history. Organized records will help you resolve issues faster.