Austin’s eviction level among lowest in nation

Research from Princeton University’s Eviction Lab shows that cities that have protections for renters, such as Austin, have seen far fewer evictions during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the news release, “Of America’s larger cities, Austin and Minneapolis saw some of the lowest levels of eviction filings.” Tenants who cannot pay their rent due to economic losses caused by the pandemic are protected from eviction in Austin and Travis County, although evictions from other circumstances, such as violence or property damage, are allowed to proceed. City Council Member Greg Casar said, “As we continue to find ways to get Austin families the support they need, I hope other cities and counties adopt similar protections. Eviction is not just a condition of poverty, but a cause of it. No one should lose their home because of the pandemic, and we have to do right by Austin families.” Princeton’s eviction tracker shows seven eviction filings in Austin last week, compared to 69 in Boston and 159 in Fort Worth, Texas.