Landlord Friendliness Index shows division among states

State landlord-tenant statutes, compiled into a Landlord Friendliness Index, revealed a sharp divide between states that encourage housing investment and those that hinder it.

A GigHz analysis, compiled of Zillow Home Value Index and Zillow Observed Rent Index data, shows Oklahoma and 33 other states earned the maximum rating of 5 due to fast eviction timelines, no rent control, and flexible deposit rules. Alternatively, California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Washington and D.C. rated a 1, reflecting rent caps, “just cause” eviction laws, low deposit limits, and lengthy court processes.

While more than half of the states scored a 5, investors are increasingly aware of the risk of regulatory drift.