More Than Shelter: The Effects of Rental Eviction Moratoria on Household Well-Being

10 Pages Posted: 10 Mar 2021 Last revised: 4 Mar 2022

See all articles by Xudong An

Xudong An

Federal Reserve Banks - Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia

Stuart A. Gabriel

University of California, Los Angeles - Anderson School of Management

Nitzan Tzur-Ilan

Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

Date Written: September 7, 2021

Abstract

We investigate the impact of 2020 COVID-19 rental eviction moratoria on household well- being. Analysis of new panel data indicates that eviction moratoria reduced evictions and resulted in redirection of scarce household financial resources to immediate consumption needs, notably including food and grocery spending. We also find that eviction moratoria reduced household food insecurity and mental stress, with larger effects evidenced among African American households. Findings suggest broad salutary effects of eviction moratoria during a period of widespread virus and economic distress.

Keywords: Eviction moratorium, consumption, food security, mental health, COVID-19

JEL Classification: G28, R30, I38

Suggested Citation

An, Xudong and Gabriel, Stuart A. and Tzur-Ilan, Nitzan, More Than Shelter: The Effects of Rental Eviction Moratoria on Household Well-Being (September 7, 2021). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3801217 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3801217

Xudong An

Federal Reserve Banks - Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia ( email )

Ten Independence Mall
Philadelphia, PA 19106-1574
United States

Stuart A. Gabriel

University of California, Los Angeles - Anderson School of Management ( email )

110 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1481
United States
310-825-2922 (Phone)
310-206-5455 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.anderson.ucla.edu

Nitzan Tzur-Ilan (Contact Author)

Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas ( email )

2200 North Pearl Street
PO Box 655906
Dallas, TX 75265-5906
United States

HOME PAGE: http://nitzantzur-ilan.com

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