The Impact of the Pandemic on Landlords: Evidence from Two National Surveys Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies and the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley, September 29, 2021
This paper provides a synthesis of findings from these two surveys and identifies several key implications for policy makers regarding both current and longer-term efforts needed to support renters and stabilize rental markets through times of financial crisis.
Research Spotlight
As Renter Protections End, Emergency Rental Assistance Is Critical. Why Haven't More Landlords and Tenants Applied for It?
Urban Institute, November 1, 2021
Awareness of federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)—which covers back rent, future rent, utility arrearages, future utility costs, and other expenses incurred as a result of the pandemic—has grown dramatically with the slow but steady increase of fund allocation. Despite this, many landlords and tenants are still unsure of whether they qualify, and they are not applying—which means people who need assistance still aren’t getting it.
Using Community Income Levels to Help Tenants get Emergency Rental Assistance
Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, October 28, 2021
At the current pace, it will take 16 months to expend remaining ERA funds. Using the Low-Income Community proxy or other similar proxies will speed up rental aid distribution for families who need funds to arrive before their court dates. At scale, it could speed up a system designed to prevent millions of evictions and displacements.
Taking Housing Solutions from the Near-Term Crisis to the Long-Term Crisis
Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley, October 25, 2021
This blog charts changes in landlord management practices throughout the pandemic by drawing on two surveys of landlords of small rental properties (1- to 4-unit buildings and rented condos). The authors find that, before the pandemic, smaller-scale landlords often worked with tenants who missed a rent payment to bring them current and avoid eviction. This flexibility increased during the pandemic, even as many owners saw their rent revenue decline.
Tracking Rent Payments to Mom-and-Pop Landlords Urban Institute, Updated November 1, 2021
Using data provided by Avail, this data tool tracks monthly rent payments in units owned by independent mom-and-pop landlords since January 2020.
