Large Landlords, Code Violations, and Eviction Filing: Evidence from Albany, NY

• In Event: Community and Urban Sociology Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 2: Displacement and Eviction

Abstract

Eviction is a major contributor to cycles of urban poverty, and a growing body of research has documented eviction’s harmful effects. This study finds that landlord size and the number of code violations associated with the landlord’s portfolio both predict higher numbers of eviction filings. Using eviction filing data and newly available code violation data from Albany, NY in 2023 and 2024, this study examines landlord characteristics and their association with eviction filing. This study also examines public housing, finding that the Albany Housing Authority is the largest eviction filer in Albany in the study period. These findings are concerning for tenants, as landlord corporatization and financialization has meant that more tenants depend on large, corporate landlords for their housing.

Author

• Andy Kaier, University at Albany, SUNY