A recent article published in Social Science and Medicine suggests that eviction is causing premature deaths in the United States. The study conducted a thorough analysis of existing data sets to explore the link between rising rental costs, evictions, and mortality rates among American renters. The findings indicate that people living in poverty, those with incomes less than 50% of the U.S. median income, have similar survival rates until their 40s, after which they experience significantly higher mortality rates compared to individuals with higher incomes and resources.
The normative measure of housing affordability, which suggests that households should spend no more than 30% of their gross monthly income on housing, fails to accurately assess whether a family has secure and affordable housing. Residual income cost burdens can lead to financial crises for families, even if they meet the normative affordability standard or pay less. The lack of financial resources, rather than landlord-tenant laws, is identified as the central issue that households facing eviction need to address.
Despite the efforts to link eviction with premature death, the lack of income is not solely responsible for mortality rates. Factors such as lack of health insurance, stress, limited access to healthy food, and higher use of drugs and alcohol due to financial anxiety play significant roles in shaping mortality rates among low-income individuals. It is essential to address these underlying issues to truly help families facing eviction rather than solely focusing on the financial aspect.
The push for revisions in tenant-landlord laws at the state and local levels may not effectively address the root causes of eviction. What households facing eviction truly need is fast cash to help them stabilize their financial situation. Embracing catastrophic assessments and implementing stricter eviction laws can lead to unintended consequences, such as higher deposits, more stringent screening processes, and ultimately, higher rents, which can worsen the situation for those already struggling with housing instability.
While studies like the one published in Social Science and Medicine highlight the impact of eviction on mortality rates, it is crucial to consider a holistic approach to addressing the underlying issues that contribute to housing insecurity. Simply focusing on preventing evictions without addressing the broader challenges faced by low-income families may not lead to sustainable solutions. It is essential for policymakers and researchers to consider the multidimensional factors that contribute to eviction and mortality rates to develop effective interventions that truly support households in need.
