Gov. Hochul Rejects 421a Construction Extension, Good Cause Eviction Legislation

Lawmakers in New York were close to reaching an agreement on extending the 421a construction deadline and passing good cause eviction legislation, but Governor Kathy Hochul did not approve the deal.  

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie stated that they had worked towards an agreement that included these policies, along with other housing-related measures. However, the governor’s refusal to sign off on the plan halted the progress. 

“Unfortunately, it was clear that we could not come to an agreement with the governor on this plan,” the leaders said in a statement. “There is no debate: New York is experiencing a housing crisis. All three chambers must immediately redouble our efforts and come up with a plan that the governor will sign into law.” 

Hochul’s office issued a statement responding to the legislature’s narrative. “To be clear: Unlike the more than 500 bills the legislature has passed since January, no housing package was ever even introduced, let alone passed, for the governor’s review,” a spokesperson said, 

“Absolutely nothing stood in the legislature’s way.” 

The failed deal also aimed to increase the rent cap for renovations on rent-stabilized apartments. The 421a property tax break expired in June 2022.