Maximizing Housing Stability and Minimizing Evictions: Evidence-Based Models That Keep Tenants in Their Homes and Out of the Courts

Maximizing Housing Stability and Minimizing Evictions: Evidence-Based Models That Keep Tenants in Their Homes and Out of the Courts

Managing Director Neil Steinkamp’s Paper on Eviction Filing Prevention published in the Fordham Urban Law Journal

October 02, 2024

Both landlords and tenant advocates across the country agree, the summary proceeding system for landlord-tenant disputes is not working,” writes Neil Steinkamp. “Rather than high volume eviction courts with over-crowded hallways and 40–60% default rates, as are now common across the United States, with effective pre-filing resolution mechanisms, eviction courts can be low-volume, specialty, problem-solving institutions.”

The paper is divided into the following sections:

  • Deconstruction of Common Eviction Parlances
    • Analysis of typical language and narratives associated with eviction
    • Demonstration of the diverse circumstances faced by landlords and tenants
    • Consideration of tailored solutions for specific scenarios
  • Exploration of Programs, Pilots, and Initiatives
    • Review of various efforts across the United States aimed at reducing eviction filings
    • Highlighting innovative programs and pilot projects
    • Identification of key ideas, elements, and resources from these initiatives
  • Foundation for Scalable and Sustainable Solutions
    • Compilation of effective components that can be integrated to prevent eviction filings
    • Discussion on forming a robust foundation for long-term, scalable solutions
  • New Pathways for Eviction Filing Prevention
    • Description of themes and elements crucial for forming new eviction prevention strategies
    • Adaptability of proposed pathways to local stakeholders and rental housing ecosystems
    • Strategies to significantly reduce the number of eviction filings through localized, effective solutions

Read the full paper on the Fordham website.