More Than Shelter: The Effects of Rental Eviction Moratoria on Household Well-Being

We investigate the impact of 2020 COVID-19 rental eviction moratoria on household well- being. Analysis of new panel data indicates that eviction moratoria reduced evictions and resulted in redirection of scarce household financial resources to immediate consumption needs, notably including food and grocery spending. We also find that eviction moratoria reduced household food insecurity and mental stress, with larger effects evidenced among African American households. Findings suggest broad salutary effects of eviction moratoria during a period of widespread virus and economic distress.

Keywords: Eviction moratorium, consumption, food security, mental health, COVID-19

JEL Classification: G28, R30, I38

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

An, Xudong and Gabriel, Stuart A. and Tzur-Ilan, Nitzan, More Than Shelter: The Effects of Rental Eviction Moratoria on Household Well-Being (September 7, 2021). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3801217 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3801217