Renter households relocate for a variety of reasons, such as job opportunities or the need for more (or less) space. According to U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey data, one in five renter households reported feeling pressure to move from their current location within the past six months. An Urban Land article noted that previous measures of housing instability came from local eviction filings; however, it was found that up to three additional renters had to leave their homes for each eviction filing.
Of those who felt pressured to move: 40% indicated rental increases were the cause; 22% said their landlords didn’t make repairs; and 7% cited eviction threats as reasons for relocation – with 44% of renter households whose landlords threatened eviction leaving their homes and 61% of renters whose landlords changed locks or turned off utilities also leaving theirs behind them .
The survey further revealed people of color are more likely than white renter households (18%)to feel pressured into relocating – nearly one-third Latinx and Black renters felt this way – citing increased rent, ignored repairs and missed rent payments as top causes among Black respondents while 51 %of Latinx respondents attributed increasing rents as primary reason they needed/wanted/felt compelled into moving on .
Kathryn Reynolds & Elizabeth Burton authors at The Urban Institute commented “These data show the stark reality most tenants across America face – very few regulations & laws protect them from destabilizing factors plus little financial assistance is available when needed” They went on say even areas where tenant health & safety laws exist some may be unaware or not empowered enough exercise rights due these circumstances .
