The Informed Citizen

20. "The Truth About Evictions" with Jim Henderson and Caitlyn McKenney


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In this eye-opening episode of The Informed Citizen, host Philip Lindholm sits down with Jim Henderson, founder of Landlord Solutions and Washington Government Relations, and Caitlyn McKenney, housing policy researcher and writer for FixHomelessness.org, to unpack one of the most divisive issues in America: evictions.Episode OverviewFrom rising rent costs to state-level moratoriums and broken safety nets, Philip, Jim, and Caitlyn explore the complex web of housing policies shaping life across Washington and beyond. Together, they reveal how well-intentioned laws can sometimes backfire - hurting tenants, landlords, and communities alike.Episode Highlights🔹 The Eviction RealityJim explains how the eviction process really works—from notice to court filing—and why it can take months (or even years) to resolve. He describes the immense strain on small landlords who lose income, legal fees, and sometimes their property altogether.🔹 Unintended Consequences of Tenant Protection LawsCaitlyn shares stories of policies that, while designed to protect tenants, end up endangering neighbors, bankrupting landlords, and eroding housing supply. Together, they discuss shocking examples of violent tenants shielded by legal loopholes.🔹 Who Should Pay?The guests tackle the tough question: When tenants can’t pay rent, whose responsibility is it—landlords, government, or society? Their answers reveal a clash between compassion and practicality, and the limits of private industry as a public safety net.🔹 Property Rights vs. Public GoodFrom Supreme Court precedents to the moral question of whether “housing is a right,” Philip leads a nuanced discussion about American law, fairness, and accountability in the rental market.🔹 What’s Next for Housing PolicyCaitlyn and Jim offer creative, realistic solutions to fix a system that’s failing both sides—reducing regulation, restoring accountability, and ensuring that housing remains both fair and functional.Key Takeaways• Evictions are not simply a “landlord vs. tenant” story—they impact entire communities.• Tenant protections must be balanced with accountability and due process.• Housing policy reform should prioritize sustainability, safety, and shared responsibility.• The free market, when properly structured, can serve tenants better than overregulation.Listed and subscribe to the podcast:• Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-informed-citizen• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-informed-citizen/id1738680188Connect with us:• The Informed Citizen Website: https://theinformedcitizen.com/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drphiliplindholm/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drphiliplindholm • YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdscEVf-gjkiNh9YK-0yYiTZN7usLZ4CR Credits:• Music: Sound and Vision, “This Party Bussin”This podcast is for informational purposes only and not professional advice.

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The Informed CitizenBy Philip Lindholm