Renters missing out on eviction help
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Tenants behind on rent often can't access available legal and other help because the process is too complicated, a new Portland State University study finds.
Why it matters: Eviction notice levels in Oregon are again above pre-pandemic levels, according to Evicted in Oregon, a PSU tracking project.
- Kim McCarty, executive director of nonprofit Community Alliance of Tenants, said the study should signal policymakers that almost doubling the number of evictions without growing shelter space is causing a crisis.
Driving the news: PSU researchers conducted focus groups with 68 people in Multnomah County served with eviction notices after 2020, asking them how they felt and reacted to their new situations.
Zoom in: The study found 58% moved out without trying to fight their evictions, with 17% saying they felt completely overwhelmed and "had no idea what to do."
Reality check: Study author Natalie Cholula told Axios many more people than those who receive notices are likely evicted as most move out long before they receive such notifications.
- She said elderly people and those with language barriers often have the hardest time dealing with eviction or rent-relief-related paperwork that can be onerous to complete.
- "The majority of the burden falls on the tenants for them to remain housed," said Cholula.
What's next: McCarty said in the next state legislative session her organization will push for more rental assistance for emergencies such as severe illnesses and job losses, not just aid during pandemics.