What type of behavior can lead to a landlord being unable to evict a tenant under retaliatory eviction doctrine?

The retaliatory eviction doctrine is designed to protect tenants from being evicted in response to their exercising certain legal rights, particularly when they have reported issues related to the rental property, such as unsafe living conditions. This legal protection recognizes that tenants have a right to live in safe and habitable environments and encourages them to report violations without fear of retaliation.

When a tenant reports an unsafe condition, they are taking a necessary step to enforce their rights and maintain the safety and livability of their home. If a landlord attempts to evict the tenant after such a report, it can be seen as an act of retaliation aimed at punishing the tenant for asserting their rights. Accordingly, many jurisdictions treat this type of behavior as grounds for a tenant to contest an eviction, thus rendering the landlord unable to evict the tenant under the retaliatory eviction doctrine.

In contrast, defaulting on rent payments, overstaying a lease, or causing damage to the unit would generally provide legitimate grounds for eviction, as these actions do not fall under the protections granted by the retaliatory eviction doctrine.