Analysis of Current and Expected Rental Shortfall and Potential Eviction Filings in the U.S.
This report, produced by STOUT, estimates roughly 10 – 14 million renter households — home to 23 – 34 million renters — were behind on their rent by a total of roughly $12 – $17 billion as of September 14, 2020.
These renters will owe $25 – $34 billion by January 2021, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s nationwide eviction moratorium expires. This rent shortfall estimate does not include any interest or fees landlords may charge, as allowed by the CDC eviction moratorium.
By January 2021, up to 8.4 million renter households, which include 20.1 million individual renters, could experience an eviction filing.
Given what appears to be a slow economic recovery, it is reasonable to expect ongoing elevated unemployment, high rent burden among low-income renter households, continued accumulation of unpaid rent, and continued risk of eviction beyond January 2021.
The report shows the current and projected rent shortfall and estimated potential eviction filings in every state. For example:
State | Estimated Range of Rent Shortfall by January 2021 |
Estimated Potential Eviction Filings by January 2021 |
Arizona | $461 million – $630 million | 150,000 |
Colorado | $469 million – $666 million | 140,000 |
Florida | $2.1 billion – $2.7 billion | 640,000 |
Iowa | $161 million – $211 million | 70,000 |
Maine | $55 million – $81 million | 20,000 |
Michigan | $603 million – $808 million | 240,000 |
North Carolina | $632 million – $824 million | 240,000 |
Pennsylvania | $697 million – $958 million | 240,000 |
South Carolina | $329 million – $429 million | 120,000 |
Wisconsin | $345 million – $465 million | 140,000 |
Additional Resources
- Press Release: American Renters Will Owe Up to $55 Billion in Back Rent by January; New Report Demonstrates the Urgent Need for Federal Emergency Rental Aid
- State HFA Emergency Housing Assistance Programs
- Why Congress Should Enact the Emergency Rental Assistance and Rental Market Stabilization Act
- Why Congress Should Enact the Housing Assistance Fund