21 Feb The History of Residential Evictions: How They’ve Changed and What Property Managers Can Do to Help

As society has evolved over the past century, so have the laws regarding residential evictions. The first modern eviction laws were established in the early 1900s, as lawmakers recognized that property owners deserved the right to take legal action when tenants failed to pay rent. However, these early laws were heavily biased towards property owners, and made it easy for landlords to evict tenants without a fair legal process.

Over time, lawmakers worked to make eviction laws more equitable for tenants. Major pieces of legislation were passed in the mid-20th century, including the RPTL (Real Property Tax Law), which established guidelines for landlords to follow when evicting tenants. Other laws were passed to protect tenants from discrimination and retaliation by landlords, such as the Fair Housing Act and the Rent Stabilization Law.

The push for these laws came from tenant advocacy groups, who had seen the devastating impact of unfair evictions on low-income and marginalized communities. These groups organized to raise awareness of the issue, lobby lawmakers, and put pressure on landlords to improve their practices. Eventually, their efforts paid off, and laws were passed that helped level the playing field between landlords and tenants.

Despite these laws, eviction remains a contentious issue, with advocates on both sides of the debate. Some landlords argue that eviction laws are too restrictive, and that they make it difficult for property owners to protect their investment. Others argue that these laws are necessary to protect tenants from exploitation, and that landlords who follow the rules can still make a profit.

One thing that is clear is that evictions are a major financial risk for landlords. In states with harder eviction laws, landlords are forced to charge higher rents to account for the potential loss of income. This creates a challenging environment for property owners, who must balance their financial needs with the needs of their tenants.

To navigate this complex landscape, many landlords turn to property management companies for help. A good property manager can be on top of things and prevent losses, by helping landlords maintain their properties, screen tenants effectively, and navigate the legal complexities of eviction laws. By working with a property management company, landlords can protect their investment and ensure that they are following all relevant laws and regulations.