Maps

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This year, we’ve reformed the Index to focus on unhoused youth and young adults (YYA), aligning it with their experiences and policy needs. Shifting from harm reduction to transformative change, some jurisdictions may see lower scores than before. This is a deliberate strategy, not a setback. Lower scores should motivate, not discourage, jurisdictions. They present an opportunity to adopt policies that effectively tackle and prevent youth homelessness, fostering meaningful progress.

Rent Control

  • Maintaining housing

The jurisdiction has rent control

Rent control is a government policy that regulates the amount of rent that landlords can charge tenants. It is sometimes also called rent leveling or rent stabilization. Some jurisdictions have a jurisdiction-wide rent control law and some cities pass local rent control ordinances. It is meant to protect tenants from exorbitant rent increases and ensure affordable housing options. Some jurisdictions prohibit cities from enacting rent control ordinances (called “preemption”).

Key Metric Score Type of Policy Description
1.0 Reform The jurisdiction has rent control
0.5 Harm Reduction Jurisdiction preempts local rent control but has a jurisdiction-wide rent control law
0 Status Quo No law found
-0.5 Harmful The jurisdiction preempts rent control
No Data No Data No Data

Cite: National Homelessness Law Center and True Colors United. ", Rent Control" https://youthstateindex.com/maps/rent-control/. Accessed: July 25, 2024.

Maintaining housing

Maintaining housing or “security of tenure” is an essential part of the right to housing. This principle ensures that individuals and families have a sense of stability and security in knowing that they will not be arbitrarily evicted from their homes. It means that people can establish roots in their communities and have a sense of belonging. Security of tenure also helps to prevent homelessness and displacement, which can have devastating and long-lasting effects. 

“People weaponize their privilege and power. We should identify and call out benign -isms and phobias. Parenting individuals – especially black women – are more likely to be evicted, black men are more likely to be denied housing at the jump. The whole family unit may not be approved for housing – which can lead to issues when those families choose to stay together “breaking the rules” which can result in eviction. Racism and prejudice runs rampant and pushes people into untenable situations.” – Tiffany S. Haynes


These maps are provided as legal information only and should not be used as legal advice for your specific situation. If you need help with any of the issues described on this website, please check out the Homeless Youth Legal Network (HYLN) directory OR email or call HYLN for help finding a referral to a lawyer.