
Episode 418: The Eviction Kings (w/ Special Guest: Thomas Birmingham)
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Nov 13, 2025 Thomas Birmingham, an investigative journalist, discusses his gripping report on American Landmark's eviction practices. He reveals how this major Southern landlord has a disturbing model that anticipates a 45% tenant turnover rate through aggressive rent hikes. Birmingham delves into corporate links between American Landmark and Israeli conglomerates, shedding light on the unsettling realities of the rentier economy. He emphasizes the need for tenant organizing as a response to these exploitative practices, connecting tenant struggles to broader geopolitical implications.
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Targeting Red States For Profit
- American Landmark grew into the 34th largest U.S. landlord with ~34,000 units concentrated in Southern red states.
- They target weak-tenant-protection markets to maximize rent hikes and resale profits.
Sky-High Eviction Rates
- Eviction rates at American Landmark properties often reach 70–80%, vastly above national averages.
- Their purchases commonly quadruple eviction filings compared with previous owners.
Displacement Built Into The Model
- American Landmark expects to keep only about 55% of tenants after acquisition, planning displacement as part of their model.
- They raise rents $100–$400 to force turnover and attract higher-paying residents.

