Eviction is often framed as a straightforward legal process, yet in practice it reflects a complex intersection of law, economics, and institutional capacity. In many jurisdictions, inefficiencies within eviction systems create uncertainty not only for tenants, but also for landlords navigating fragmented regulations, administrative delays, and inconsistent enforcement. These dynamics can distort incentives, strain housing markets, and undermine confidence in basic legal recourse.
This accepted scholarly research presentation examines the eviction process in Colorado through an in-depth qualitative case study. Drawing on ethnographic methods, the research documents the lived experiences of landlords attempting to operate within a system marked by legal ambiguity, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and limited coordination across municipal and state agencies. Rather than attributing outcomes to individual misconduct, the study highlights how structural and procedural failures shape decision making and outcomes.
The case study reveals how misaligned policies and inconsistent implementation create systemic inefficiencies that affect financial planning, property management, and long-term investment decisions. Delays in court proceedings, unclear guidance, and uneven application of regulations introduce risk that is difficult to anticipate or mitigate, particularly for small and mid-sized property owners.
By situating eviction within a broader management and governance context, the research reframes housing disputes as an organizational and policy challenge rather than solely a legal one. It raises important questions about accountability, administrative capacity, and the unintended consequences of well-intentioned regulatory frameworks.
Designed for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, this session contributes to conversations on economic development, finance, and public administration. Attendees will gain insight into how institutional design and regulatory execution influence market behavior and stakeholder trust, with implications that extend beyond housing to other regulated industries.
Authors and Affiliations
Biff Baker, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Jeffrey Peshut, Metropolitan State University of Denver
This presentation will be delivered in person at the SAM International Business Conference and will invite discussion on eviction policy, legal process design, and the managerial implications of systemic institutional failure. For more information visit www.samnational.org/conference