The Case for Good Cause Eviction Protections in Maryland
In the ongoing battle for housing stability and tenant rights, the push for Good Cause Eviction legislation in Maryland has become a focal point for advocates seeking to expand access to justice. Spearheaded by the Renters United Maryland Coalition, this initiative aims to provide tenants with much-needed protections from arbitrary lease terminations. With the introduction of Senate Bill 651, Maryland lawmakers have the opportunity to establish clear, fair, and enforceable standards that balance the interests of landlords and tenants while preventing unjust evictions.
Understanding Good Cause Eviction
At its core, Good Cause Eviction laws prohibit landlords from evicting tenants or refusing to renew leases without a valid, legally recognized reason. Senate Bill 651, sponsored by Senators C. Anthony Muse and Clarence Lam, seeks to authorize counties to adopt local laws requiring landlords to demonstrate justifiable cause when ending a lease or terminating a holdover tenancy. This would prevent tenants from losing their homes due to reasons such as retaliation, discrimination, or rent gouging.
Under the bill, landlords would be permitted to terminate a lease only under specific circumstances, including but not limited to:
- Nonpayment of rent after repeated violations.
- Breach of lease conditions, such as property damage or refusal to allow required access.
- Engagement in illegal activities on the premises.
- Owner-occupancy, where the landlord or a family member intends to move into the property.
- Significant renovations or removal from the rental market for at least one year.
By setting these reasonable conditions, the law seeks to ensure that landlords maintain control over their properties while preventing the abuse of eviction proceedings as a tool for unjust removals.
Why Good Cause Eviction Matters for Access to Justice
Access to stable housing is a fundamental pillar of economic and social well-being. Unjust evictions disproportionately affect low-income tenants, people of color, and individuals with disabilities—groups that already face systemic barriers to stable housing. Without good cause protections, many tenants live under the constant threat of displacement, making it difficult to assert their rights, invest in their communities, or plan for the future.
By requiring landlords to provide a justifiable reason for lease non-renewal, Good Cause Eviction laws create a fairer and more predictable housing system. This legal protection ensures that tenants cannot be removed for retaliatory reasons, such as reporting code violations or organizing for better living conditions. It also prevents sudden evictions that can force families into homelessness, disrupt children’s education, and destabilize entire communities.
Addressing Maryland’s Eviction Crisis
According to data from Renters United Maryland, more than 5,000 Maryland families are evicted each year without a stated cause, contributing to the broader crisis of housing instability. The number of “no cause” evictions filed in the state increased by 62% from pre-pandemic levels, exacerbating the already dire issue of homelessness, which affects more than 30,000 Marylanders annually. These statistics highlight the urgent need for Good Cause Eviction protections as a means to prevent homelessness and keep families rooted in their communities.
Additionally, systemic inequalities make Black renters particularly vulnerable, with one in four Black children in renting households facing the threat of eviction each year. The disproportionate impact of evictions on communities of color underscores the necessity of policies that promote housing stability and prevent discrimination.
The Legislative Landscape and Opposition
Despite strong support from housing advocates, Good Cause Eviction legislation has historically faced resistance in the Maryland General Assembly. Opponents argue that increased regulations may discourage property development and lead to unintended consequences, such as landlords raising rents to circumvent restrictions on lease terminations. However, research and experiences from other states with similar laws indicate that these fears are largely unfounded. In jurisdictions with Good Cause protections, housing markets remain robust, and tenant stability contributes to healthier, more engaged communities.
The Broader National Context
Maryland is one of only five states that explicitly prohibit local jurisdictions from passing Good Cause Eviction laws. Meanwhile, eight states—including California, New York, and Oregon—have enacted statewide Good Cause protections, alongside 23 localities that have implemented similar measures. Research from Princeton University’s Eviction Lab shows that jurisdictions with Good Cause Eviction laws have experienced significant reductions in eviction filings, reinforcing the effectiveness of such policies in promoting housing stability.
The Biden Administration recognized the importance of Good Cause protections in its Renter’s Bill of Rights, further emphasizing the role of these laws in ensuring fair treatment for tenants across the country.
The Path Forward
As Maryland continues to grapple with an ongoing housing affordability crisis, the passage of Good Cause Eviction laws represents a critical step toward ensuring that tenants have access to stable, secure housing. The Renters United Maryland Coalition and its allies are calling on lawmakers to prioritize the needs of renters, recognizing that access to safe and stable housing is a cornerstone of economic security and community well-being.
For tenants, legal aid organizations, and advocacy groups, the fight for Good Cause Eviction is about more than just policy—it is about justice. Maryland lawmakers have a unique opportunity to lead the way in creating a fairer housing system that protects vulnerable residents from unjust displacement. The passage of Senate Bill 651 would mark a significant victory for tenant rights and a more just housing future for all Marylanders.