Prohibits the eviction of small commercial tenants in the city of New York without good cause.
S09710, titled the “Stop The Outrageous Retail Evictions Act” or the “STORE Act,” would create a new chapter in the New York City administrative code establishing eviction protections for small commercial premises. The bill applies only to retail spaces in New York City that are 1,000 square feet or less and would prohibit landlords from removing a tenant, refusing to renew a lease, or otherwise recovering possession unless they can show “good cause” in court.
The bill defines a detailed list of permissible grounds for eviction, including nonpayment of rent, substantial lease violations not cured after notice, nuisance or property damage, illegal activity, refusal of access for repairs or inspections, unauthorized subletting, persistent violations of city tax or licensing laws, and landlord plans to demolish, substantially reconstruct, or occupy the space for their own business. It also limits evictions based on rent increases by creating a rebuttable presumption that a rent hike above 1.5 times the annual change in the New York City Consumer Price Index is unconscionable, and it bars evictions where rent arrears result from such increases or from withholding rent due to landlord violations. The bill further voids lease waivers of these protections, preserves other applicable legal requirements, and allows tenants to seek damages and attorneys’ fees for fraudulent statements about future use of the premises.
If enacted, the bill would amend the New York City Administrative Code by adding a new tenant-protection regime for small commercial retail tenants. It would affect landlords, small business tenants, and courts handling commercial eviction proceedings in the city, while also creating new notice requirements, procedural limits, and potential liability for landlords who misrepresent redevelopment or owner-occupancy plans. The law would apply immediately to actions and proceedings commenced on or after its effective date.
The general sentiment reflected by the bill itself is strongly protective of small businesses and anti-eviction, framing the measure as a response to “outrageous retail evictions.” Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no direct evidence of legislative debate or opposition in the available materials. The structure and findings of the bill suggest a policy goal of stabilizing neighborhood retail tenants and preventing displacement through aggressive rent increases or nonrenewal tactics.
The main points of contention likely concern the balance between tenant protections and landlord property rights. Potentially disputed issues include the rent-increase presumption, limits on lease nonrenewal, restrictions on owner occupancy and redevelopment, and the bill’s application only to small retail spaces in New York City. Landlords and property owners may view the good-cause standard and damages provisions as burdensome, while small business advocates and tenant groups would likely support the added security and anti-displacement protections.
The bill would add a new chapter 15 to title 22 of the New York City Administrative Code, creating a local good-cause eviction framework for small commercial retail premises of 1,000 square feet or less. It would restrict when landlords may evict or refuse to renew leases, require court findings of one of several enumerated grounds, void contractual waivers of these rights, and authorize damages, injunctive relief, and attorneys’ fees in certain fraud cases. The measure would directly affect commercial landlords, small retail tenants, and eviction proceedings in New York City, while leaving broader state landlord-tenant law intact except as incorporated through compliance requirements.
The bill’s tone and structure indicate strong support for small commercial tenants and a policy preference for preventing displacement of neighborhood retail businesses. No votes or committee transcripts are available, so there is no recorded legislative opposition or support to summarize. Based on the text alone, the measure appears designed to be pro-tenant and anti-eviction, with an emphasis on stabilizing small businesses and limiting landlord leverage.
Likely areas of contention include whether the bill unduly limits landlords’ ability to recover possession, set rents, or repurpose property, especially for redevelopment or owner-occupancy. The unconscionable-rent presumption and the requirement of court proceedings for removal may also be disputed as too restrictive or difficult to administer. Supporters would likely be small business advocates, commercial tenants, and neighborhood preservation groups, while opponents would likely include landlords, property owners, and real estate interests concerned about reduced flexibility and increased litigation.