Can I be evicted for having a cat in my apartment new york state?

According to New York State law, a landlord cannot evict a tenant for having a pet, unless the pet is causing damage to the property or posing a threat to the health or safety of other tenants.

Even if your lease contains a no-pets clause, this clause cannot be enforced if you had the pet before you signed the lease, or if you obtained the landlord's written permission to have the pet.

Also, the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination against tenants based on disability related conditions (such as post-traumatic stress disorder); and service animals such as emotional support animals (with certain conditions for certification for those) in places not otherwise permitting animals on the site; however, that is a federal level civil statute.

If you are being threatened with eviction for having a cat, you should contact a lawyer or your local housing authority for more information about your rights.