Over the past year, eviction filings have soared by 35% or more in several cities, including Phoenix, compared to pre-2020 levels, according to the Eviction Lab at Princeton University. This surge coincides with a sharp rise in rents driven by pent-up demand from the pandemic, exacerbating shortages in the housing market. Consequently, many low-income tenants are now grappling with the challenge of affording their housing costs. Despite a slight easing in rent increases over the past year, asking rents for houses and apartments nationwide climbed 30% from 2020 to 2023, as reported by the Zillow Observed Rent Index. These escalating rents mean that even temporary income setbacks can quickly become unmanageable for tenants. Compounded by a severe shortage of affordable housing options, renters often find themselves leasing units that stretch beyond their financial means.
