Most people assume that calling 911 is an unquestionable right, especially in moments of crisis. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a fire, or a potential crime, the ability to reach emergency services quickly can literally save lives. But across the United States, a growing number of communities have adopted “nuisance ordinances” or “crime-free housing” rules that treat frequent calls to emergency services as a sign that a property is a problem. For tenants, that can mean the landlord is pressured or even required to evict you.
This practice, while not widely publicized, has raised serious concerns among tenant rights advocates, seniors, disability groups, and civil liberties organizations. The idea that asking for help could put your housing at risk seems absurd — but it’s a legal reality in many jurisdictions. Let’s look at how this happens, why it disproportionately affects older adults, and what you can do to avoid being caught in the crosshairs.
How “Nuisance Ordinances” Put Renters at Risk
Nuisance ordinances were originally designed to address chronic problem properties–places where criminal activity, loud parties, or constant disturbances disrupted the neighborhood. But the way these laws are written, they often count 911 calls as evidence that a property is a nuisance, regardless of the reason for the call.
In some cities, calling emergency services more than two or three times within a set period (often six months or a year) can trigger the ordinance. When that happens, the city may fine the landlord, suspend rental licenses, or threaten other penalties unless the “problem” is resolved, which often means evicting the tenant.
It’s a system that doesn’t differentiate between someone calling for help because they’re the victim of a crime, a medical emergency, or an accident, and someone causing repeated noise complaints. The result? Vulnerable tenants who need emergency help the most may avoid calling for fear of losing their homes.
Seniors and Disabled Tenants Are Disproportionately Affected
For many older adults and people with chronic health conditions, the idea of not calling 911 in an emergency isn’t an option. Falls, sudden illnesses, and worsening medical symptoms often require immediate attention. In senior housing communities and apartment complexes, multiple medical calls can add up quickly, even if they’re all legitimate and unavoidable.
Unfortunately, nuisance ordinances often make no medical exemption for these types of emergencies. Seniors recovering from surgery, managing heart conditions, or dealing with respiratory illness could easily exceed the “allowable” number of calls within a year. The ordinance treats the situation as though the tenant is causing trouble, when in reality, they’re simply trying to stay alive and healthy.
Why This Practice Persists Despite Public Backlash
Tenant advocates, disability rights groups, and civil liberties organizations like the ACLU have challenged nuisance ordinances in court, arguing that they punish victims of crime, discriminate against people with disabilities, and violate constitutional rights. Some cities have repealed or revised their ordinances after lawsuits or public pressure.
However, these laws persist in many places because they are framed as a way to reduce crime and keep neighborhoods safe. Cities argue that they are targeting landlords who allow ongoing illegal activity, but in practice, the ordinances often penalize people who are reporting that activity or seeking help for emergencies.
The Legal Gray Area Around Tenant Evictions
Whether a landlord can legally evict you for excessive 911 calls depends on your local laws and lease agreement. In many cases, landlords are not evicting tenants because they called 911, but because the nuisance ordinance threatens them with penalties if they don’t act. The eviction is framed as a lease violation or a decision not to renew, rather than direct retaliation.
In federally subsidized housing, there may be additional protections. The Violence Against Women Act, for example, prohibits evicting victims of domestic violence for seeking help. Some states and cities have adopted laws specifically protecting tenants from nuisance ordinance penalties. But these protections are far from universal.
The Catch-22: Safety vs. Shelter
This creates an impossible dilemma for tenants, especially older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and victims of domestic violence. Do you risk your safety by avoiding emergency calls to keep your housing secure, or do you protect your health and safety and potentially lose your home?
In communities where these ordinances are enforced, many tenants quietly stop calling 911 altogether, relying instead on neighbors, friends, or delayed trips to urgent care. This can lead to worsened health outcomes, unreported crimes, and increased danger for vulnerable residents.
How to Protect Yourself From Eviction Due to 911 Calls
While the legality of these ordinances varies, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of being caught off guard:
- Know your local laws — Check if your city or county has a nuisance ordinance and whether it includes medical or emergency exemptions.
- Document everything — If you must call 911, keep a record of the reason for the call and any police or medical reports.
- Notify your landlord — If you have a medical condition that may require emergency help, inform your landlord in writing. This may help them push back if the city flags your unit.
- Seek legal advice early — If you hear from your landlord about “too many calls,” talk to a tenant rights attorney before taking further action.
- Work with advocacy groups — Organizations like Legal Aid, AARP, and disability rights coalitions can sometimes intervene on your behalf.
Legislative Efforts to End the Practice
Some states, such as Pennsylvania and Illinois, have passed laws restricting nuisance ordinances that penalize emergency calls. These reforms were driven by public outrage after cases where domestic violence victims were evicted for calling police, or seniors were forced from their homes after repeated medical emergencies.
Federal housing advocates are pushing for broader protections, but change is slow. In the meantime, tenants remain vulnerable to these laws depending on where they live.
Your Rights Depend on Where You Live
The idea that you could be evicted for calling 911 is unsettling, but it’s a reality in many U.S. cities. For retirees and others who rely heavily on emergency services, understanding your local ordinances is critical. In some places, your landlord may have no choice but to act if pressured by city enforcement.
Advocacy groups are working to challenge and overturn these rules, but until then, being proactive is your best defense. Document your calls, know your legal rights, and seek help from local housing organizations before the situation escalates.
How to Safeguard Your Housing While Maintaining Emergency Access
Calling 911 should never be a gamble between personal safety and losing your home. Yet nuisance ordinances make that gamble a harsh reality for many renters, particularly seniors and people with chronic health issues. The best protection lies in staying informed, building a paper trail of legitimate emergency needs, and leaning on advocacy networks that can push back against unjust enforcement.
If your city has such an ordinance, knowing exactly how it’s applied could be the difference between keeping your home and facing eviction. Have you ever had to think twice before calling 911 because you feared housing consequences?
Read More:
Evictions Soaring: What Landlords Aren’t Telling You
Navigating Tough Times: A Complete Guide to Eviction Help
Riley Jones is an Arizona native with over nine years of writing experience. From personal finance to travel to digital marketing to pop culture, she’s written about everything under the sun. When she’s not writing, she’s spending her time outside, reading, or cuddling with her two corgis.
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