Overview:
HRAC faculty member Dr. Lisa K. Bates, associate professor of Urban Studies and Planning at PSU, partnered with Community Alliance of Tenants (CAT) in a survey on housing insecurity among Oregon renters during COVID-19. The results show that more than one in three Oregon renters surveyed owe back rent that they are unable to pay. The findings reveal an escalating problem that risks a wave of evictions when the current moratorium expires.
As many as 35% of those surveyed owe back rent. That number increases to 56% for people of color. Even with an extension of the current moratorium, Oregon will likely only delay the evictions unless the move comes with significant rent relief.
The survey of 460 Oregon tenants highlights the growing impact of the pandemic on renters. The study was funded through a faculty research grant from Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative (HRAC).