Opinion: Why Passing ‘Good Cause’ Eviction Matters

In an opinion piece in Greater Greater Washington, Mike English calls on Maryland lawmakers to support good cause eviction, a policy that protects tenants who have paid their rent on time and followed the rules of their lease from unjust eviction.

“As more and more people are forced to stay renters because of an unaffordable homeownership market, good cause eviction allows residents to stay rooted in their communities and holds large landlords accountable for their actions,” English writes. Landlords who want to evict tenants should have to provide a “good cause” for the eviction. The bill would not limit rent costs and would exempt landlords with five or fewer units.

English argues that current laws, which don’t require landlords to state a reason for evictions, allow them to discriminate against tenants they find undesirable or those who attempt to organize with fellow renters. “With good cause eviction, landlords could still choose not to renew a lease, but would have to state the reason, making the facts behind any disputes clearer and easier to handle.”

English urges passage of Maryland HB 709/SB 651, adding, “Good cause eviction will not protect renters who don’t hold up their end of the lease. It will simply protect renters from landlords who won’t hold up their end, either.”