The housing affordability crisis in the United States is hitting renters particularly hard. According to recent data, nearly half of American renters, and over 56% of Black renter households, are spending more than 30% of their income on rent. This issue is exacerbated by the longstanding housing shortage and affordability crisis in the country, which is now intersecting with the climate crisis. The United States currently lacks 7.3 million affordable rental homes for those with the lowest incomes, and the recent extreme weather events have further damaged or destroyed many affordable rental units, making them unavailable. The road ahead for communities affected by disasters this Danger Season is long and challenging.
In the aftermath of a disaster, the focus of all levels of government should be on meeting people’s immediate needs and stabilizing communities. For households with the lowest incomes, the risk of eviction post-disaster is a major concern. Not only may their homes have been physically damaged, but their livelihoods may also be disrupted, making it difficult to pay rent. It is crucial for local governments to issue a moratorium on housing evictions post-disaster to prevent further instability and trauma for affected families. Evictions can have long-lasting effects on renters, impacting their credit and limiting their future housing opportunities.
After a disaster, landlords may see financial incentives to evict tenants and attract new renters with higher rents. This can lead to increased eviction filings, especially in older, more affordable complexes with a history of flooding. It is important for courts to uphold due process and resist holding “rocket dockets” to ensure fairness for renters facing eviction post-disaster.
Renters are disproportionately denied emergency aid compared to homeowners after a disaster. Poor renters are 23% less likely to receive FEMA assistance than wealthier homeowner applicants, highlighting the need for more equitable distribution of aid. As recovery efforts continue, governments must prioritize the needs of renters and design their response with them in mind to build long-term resilience and equity.
To address the affordable housing crisis for renters, specific policies and investments are needed to build more rental units for low-income families. These units should be built to robust standards and located in climate-resilient areas. A proactive and well-funded approach to climate resilience is essential to mitigate the impact of future disasters. Additionally, reducing global heat-trapping emissions is crucial to limit the severity of fossil-fueled climate disasters.
Overall, a comprehensive and inclusive approach to disaster response, recovery, and climate resilience is necessary to ensure a more equitable future for all Americans.
