Eviction Quote by Matthew Desmond
““Tenants in eviction court were generally poor, and almost all of them (92 percent) had missed rent payments. The majority spent at least half their household income on rent. One-third devoted at least 80 percent to it.6 Of the tenants who did come to court and were evicted, only 1 in 6 had another place lined up: shelters or the apartments of friends or family. A few resigned themselves to the streets. Most simply did not know where they would go.7””
About This Quote
Source Book: Evicted, Matthew Desmond, 2016
Data shows low‑income tenants face severe rent burdens, leading to high eviction rates and homelessness.
In simple terms: Rent overwhelms poor families.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for affordable housing policies.
Themes
housing
poverty
eviction
Mood
empathetic
urgent
Type
social
policy
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- tenant assistance
- community support
- legal aid
Key Concepts
income disparity
housing insecurity
Questions to Reflect On
- What interventions can prevent evictions?
- How does rent control impact supply?
A Different Perspective
Housing markets also affect middle‑class renters.
