Evanston Proposes Tenant Protections, “Just Cause” Evictions

A proposed ordinance in Evanston would require residential landlords to demonstrate “just cause” for evictions and implement other tenant protections.

Spearheaded by 8th ward Alderman Devon Reid, who experienced eviction himself for rent non-payment, the ordinance proposes to transform one-year leases into effective lifetime occupancy rights, with exceptions for justifiable causes like non-payment, Evanston Now reported.

Landlord Hugo Rodriguez, a member of the Housing and Community Development Committee, argued it would complicate and escalate the cost of evicting problematic tenants. Under the proposal, landlords must prove “serious breach” or “deliberate or reckless violation” of the rental agreement to justify eviction.

Evanston has a very low eviction rate. Four eviction cases were filed per 1,000 apartments from October 2021 to May 2023. But Reid highlighted complaints from constituents regarding unfair landlord practices, including unjustified lease non-renewals at senior living apartments.

Reid defended a provision mandating landlords to provide relocation assistance to tenants in some situations. However, Rodriguez criticized that idea, warning it could exacerbate the lack of housing affordability by shifting relocation costs onto other tenants. He also pushed back against another provision that would require relocation assistance if rents increase by more than 15 percent, questioning its compatibility with the state’s rent control ban, the outlet reported.

The proposed revisions were last discussed at a committee meeting in October, with no clear timeline for a final committee vote. Another meeting is scheduled on the matter. The fate of the ordinance remains uncertain pending further deliberation and potential amendments.

Evictions skyrocketed in Cook County last year, with 6,600 people evicted through Dec. 5. Property owners’ reluctance to accept additional rounds of government rental assistance, coupled with soaring rents in recent years, has left many tenants struggling to meet higher monthly payments.

The eviction crisis led Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to push for a permanent rental assistance program in which pandemic-related stipulations are removed.