New Jersey's eviction crisis hits low-income families and Black households hardest

The New Jersey House of Representatives convened on September 23, 2024, to address critical issues surrounding housing and eviction rates in the state. The meeting highlighted alarming statistics regarding housing affordability and the impact of evictions on vulnerable populations.

A key point of discussion was the creation of the first national database of eviction records, which has documented over 100 million cases. Researchers emphasized that the root cause of the eviction crisis is housing affordability. Since 2000, renters' incomes have increased by only 5%, while rents have surged by over 23%. This disparity has made New Jersey the seventh least affordable state for renters in the nation, with the fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment reaching $1,980. To afford this rent, a full-time worker would need to earn approximately $38 per hour, while the average renter earns only $23.70 per hour.

The meeting also revealed that low-income renters are particularly affected by rising rents. In 2021, households earning less than $30,000 annually had an average of just $380 left after paying rent, leaving them vulnerable to unexpected expenses that could lead to eviction. The data indicated that 80 to 90 percent of evictions are filed due to late or missed rent payments, underscoring the precarious situation many renters face.

New Jersey's eviction filing rate stands at 12.1%, significantly higher than the national average of 7%. This translates to over 150,000 eviction filings each year. The discussion pointed out that eviction risk is disproportionately borne by low-income renters, particularly Black households and those with children. Black renter households face eviction rates that are twice as high as those of other groups, with over half of all eviction filings targeting Black families. Additionally, households with children are at greater risk, with children aged 0 to 5 being the most affected demographic.

The meeting concluded with a call for increased awareness and action to address the systemic issues contributing to housing insecurity and eviction in New Jersey. The representatives acknowledged the need for policies that support affordable housing and protect vulnerable renters from the devastating effects of eviction.