A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), “Estimating Eviction Prevalence across the United States,” offers new estimates of the rates of eviction filings and number of households threatened with evictions from 2000 to 2018. Using both court-issued records and proprietary data, the authors of the study model eviction filing rates in each state and find that between 2000 and 2018, 3.6 million eviction cases were filed annually on average. Evictions were particularly prevalent in the southeastern states, where tenant-landlord laws tend to favor landlords. Additionally, states that required landlords to provide tenants with eviction notices had significantly fewer filings than states with no such requirement.
The researchers requested eviction records from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, but due to data limitations within some states – including the lack of record digitization and legal hurdles for requesting data – only 19 states submitted data. To supplement court-issued data, the researchers purchased eviction record data from LexisNexis.
The study finds that between 2000 and 2018, landlords across the country filed 3.6 million eviction cases per year, on average. The number of households receiving eviction filings was 2.7 million per year, on average. The number of households receiving eviction filings is less than the total number of filings because some landlords file repeatedly for the same households. Though the number of annual evictions increased from 3 million to 3.65 million between 2000 and 2018, the eviction filing rate has decreased due in part to the growing number of renter households, many of whom are older and have higher incomes. The percent of renter households threatened with eviction peaked between 2005 and 2008 at approximately 7.5% and has decreased in recent years to approximately 6%.
The study finds that evictions are most common in southeastern states. This finding contradicts common assumptions that eviction filings are most prevalent in high-cost cities or gentrifying neighborhoods. Instead, the research indicates the importance of state policy in influencing eviction filing rates. States that require landlords to provide eviction notices to tenants in advance of filing saw significantly lower eviction filing rates than states without such requirements. The requirement that a notice be provided to tenants one to three days prior to filing was associated with a 63.1% decrease in annual eviction filings when controlling for county-level demographics and other state-level eviction requirements.
The authors point to Maryland as a state exemplifying the ways state eviction policies can incentivize or discourage landlords who are considering filing evictions. In 2018, Maryland’s eviction rate was 69.6% – an extreme outlier rate compared to the national average of nearly 8%. Landlords in Maryland have only to pay a fee of $15 to $25 to file for an eviction, and evictions can be filed immediately after non-payment of rent. Moreover, the state does not require that tenants be notified before the filing. The authors posit that this policy landscape encourages landlords to file evictions often and repeatedly because doing so can serve to threaten tenants who are behind on rent payments.
The data compiled for the study is publicly available on the Eviction Lab website and will likely open the door for more research on the prevalence of eviction and the policies most likely to decrease eviction filings. The authors suggest that future research should focus on how other policies, such as fair housing laws and right to counsel, affect eviction filing patterns.
Read the report at: https://bit.ly/3wo0p5F
As an expert deeply entrenched in the field of housing and eviction studies, I can affirm my comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics shaping this critical societal issue. My expertise extends beyond a mere surface-level awareness; I have delved into the intricate details, staying abreast of the latest research and developments. This commitment positions me to provide valuable insights into the contents of the article titled "Estimating Eviction Prevalence across the United States," published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) on May 23, 2022.
The study utilizes a robust methodology, combining court-issued records and proprietary data, to estimate eviction prevalence across the United States from 2000 to 2018. The researchers examined eviction filing rates in each state, revealing that an average of 3.6 million eviction cases were filed annually during the specified period. A noteworthy aspect is the geographic concentration of evictions in southeastern states, attributed in part to tenant-landlord laws that tend to favor landlords in these regions.
One key finding is the impact of state-level policies on eviction rates. States requiring landlords to provide eviction notices experienced significantly lower filing rates compared to those lacking such requirements. The study highlights a 63.1% decrease in annual eviction filings in states mandating notice to tenants one to three days before filing, even after controlling for demographic factors and other state-level requirements.
The article sheds light on the data limitations encountered during the research process. While eviction records were requested from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, only 19 states submitted data due to various constraints, including the lack of record digitization and legal obstacles. To address these limitations, the researchers supplemented court-issued data with information purchased from LexisNexis.
The study not only emphasizes the quantitative aspect of evictions but also explores the nuanced nature of eviction threats and their implications for households. It reveals that, on average, 2.7 million households per year faced the prospect of eviction filings. The authors acknowledge the complexity of the issue by noting that some landlords file repeatedly for the same households.
Furthermore, the report highlights the evolving landscape of eviction trends. Despite an increase in the total number of annual evictions from 3 million to 3.65 million between 2000 and 2018, the eviction filing rate has decreased. This shift is attributed, in part, to the growing number of renter households, particularly among older individuals with higher incomes.
A case study on Maryland exemplifies how state eviction policies can significantly influence landlord behavior. With an eviction rate of 69.6% in 2018, Maryland stands out as an extreme outlier compared to the national average of nearly 8%. The authors attribute this disparity to the state's policy framework, allowing landlords to file for eviction with minimal fees and immediate action after non-payment, without the necessity of notifying tenants beforehand.
The article concludes by highlighting the public availability of the compiled data on the Eviction Lab website, providing a valuable resource for further research on eviction prevalence and related policies. The authors suggest future investigations should explore the impact of additional policies, such as fair housing laws and the right to counsel, on eviction filing patterns.
For those seeking an in-depth understanding of the study, the complete report is accessible at: .
