The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on American families’ economic situation was recognized early on by governments at multiple levels who instituted a variety of relief measures, particularly related to rent and evictions.
But as the pandemic has dragged on, some property owners have grown increasingly concerned about not being paid by their tenants, with some landlords even taking legal action. A group of Northern Kentucky property owners and the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Apartment Association sued over an eviction moratorium issued by Governor Andy Beshear, prompting the governor to revise his order to be more in line with federal guidelines, and to offer a relief opportunity for both tenants and landlords.
Often, when discussing lower-income families and the prospect of eviction, the focus is on inner city residences. But recently conducted research indicates that evictions can happen at an alarming rate outside the city line. Take for instance, Silverton, a "first suburb" just outside the city of Cincinnati where recent data analysis concluded that a majority of evictions over the past four years – before the pandemic-induced eviction crisis – are often over just a small amount of money.
There is little in the way of public policy assistance, the research shows, meaning that first suburbs like Silverton need to adjust with new strategies to reduce the frequency of evictions and their impact.
Joining Cincinnati Edition to discuss the eviction crisis in the suburbs is University of Cincinnati Political Science Department Associate Professor and Master’s of Public Administration Director Brandi Blessett, Ph.D.; Silverton, Ohio, Village Manager Tom Carroll; and research assistant Deirdre Carroll.
Listen to Cincinnati Edition live at noon M-F. Audio for this segment will be uploaded after 4 p.m. ET.
Never miss an episode by subscribing to our podcast: