Study: Evictions Led to Additional Covid-19 Cases & Deaths

Background Information Related to the Study

To help people from becoming homeless in the middle of the pandemic, 43 states and Washington D.C. passed some version of a ban on evictions to account for the possible displacement of close to 40 million Americans. While many of the prohibitions against evictions lasted for only 10 weeks, some states (including California) opted to continue their moratoriums.

Results of the Study

Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Johns Hopkins University, Boston University and Wake Forest University School of Law, conducted a study on the correlation between states ending the bans and allowing eviction proceedings to continue, and the number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the U.S. It wasn't surprising that they found that letting the evictions run their course lead to approximately 433,700 excess cases of Covid-19 and 10,700 additional deaths between March and September 2020.

A logical explanation to the link between being evicted and a rise in coronavirus cases is that when people are evicted, they move from their familiar surroundings and typically increase the number of contacts that they have. For instance, an individual is evicted and then moves into an apartment with three other people, which makes them more vulnerable to coronavirus because they are in contact with more people than when they lived alone. Or an evicted person now goes into a homeless shelter which would certainly increase their chance of contracting Covid-19.

In order to adequately understand the direct effect that continued evictions has on the spread of the Covid, the researchers controlled for mask orders, stay-at-home orders, school closures, testing rates, and other related factors.

Relevant Time Period

The time period for this study was from March to early September, prior to a recent uptick in cases. The end of the study coincided with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ordering a nationwide halt to most evictions through the end of the year in order to help contain the spread of the virus. If the CDC's ban isn't extended well into 2021, it's possible that the Covid-19 cases will surge if this research is any indication.

How Does this Study Apply to San Francisco Renters?

San Francisco has its own eviction protection for renters through a local law and through California law. This means that, as of this time, tenants are free from being evicted through March 2021, even if the CDC ban isn't extended. There are San Francisco eviction exceptions for nuisances, violence and health and safety issues.

If You Have Eviction Concerns, Talk to a Tenants' Rights Attorney

Although many protections are currently in place to protect tenants from eviction, the moratoriums are temporary and there are certain things to do now that can prepare you for when the bans expire. If you're wondering where you stand, don't wait to contact us here at Wolford Wayne. We're happy to assist you with asserting your rights as a tenant.