“Just Cause” eviction protections require landlords to have a valid, legally defined reason, such as lease violations or illegal activity in order to evict a tenant or refuse to renew a lease. While such policies are gaining traction across several states, including California, New York, and Maryland, opponents of tenant protections often argue they deter new development, thereby worsening housing shortages. However, new research from the University of Minnesota’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) found no evidence that eviction protection laws harm new housing development. 

“Just Cause” eviction protections require landlords to have a valid, legally defined reason, such as lease violations or illegal activity in order to evict a tenant or refuse to renew a lease. While such policies are gaining traction across several states, including California, New York, and Maryland, opponents of tenant protections often argue they deter new development, thereby worsening housing shortages. However, new research from the University of Minnesota’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) found no evidence that eviction protection laws harm new housing development. 

The report compared trends in new housing permits in counties in California, Oregon, and New Hampshire, which have passed “Just Cause” eviction protections, with nearby counties in states without the same laws. It also took into account factors like local income, population, and unemployment to better understand how the policy affects housing construction. While the report uses the term “Good Cause,” it refers to the same kind of eviction protection aimed at preventing displacement.