Big Quote by Matthew Desmond
“Since evictions go through court, it has a record that comes with it, and many landlords that I spend time with use that as a big screening mechanism. And that's really the reason, we think, families are pushed into worse housing and worse neighborhoods after their evictions.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, 2016
Eviction records become a public filter, leading landlords to reject tenants, which pushes families into poorer housing and neighborhoods.
In simple terms: Eviction records cause landlords to avoid tenants, worsening housing conditions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address the systemic bias of eviction screening.
Themes
housing inequality
screening practices
urban poverty
landlord-tenant relations
Mood
concerned
determined
hopeful
Type
analytical
advocacy
policy
When to use this quote
- tenant screening
- policy reform
- community advocacy
- legal aid
- housing assistance
Key Concepts
structural discrimination
social stigma
economic mobility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can policies reduce reliance on eviction records?
- What alternative screening methods could be fairer?
A Different Perspective
Screening based on evictions can overlook individuals' circumstances and potential for stability.
