Why Landlords Evict During Pandemic and Its Impact on Poverty

In the current global pandemic, one issue that has garnered significant attention is the continued eviction of tenants by landlords who are struggling to meet their financial obligations. This practice adds to the cycle of poverty for both the tenants and the landlords. This article explores the reasons behind these evictions, the responsibilities of landlords and tenants during such crises, and the potential solutions necessary to alleviate this issue.

Landlord Evictions During the Pandemic

The pandemic has brought to light the challenges faced by landlords worldwide. Landlords in many regions, including Israel, are unable to afford property tax expenses and other financial burdens without paying tenants. This situation has prompted various governments to intervene, such as in Israel, where the government has ordered landlords to stop evictions temporarily. However, the effectiveness of such measures can vary significantly based on the strength and capacity of the government to enforce such policies.

Delays in Judicial Proceedings

Even in regions where evictions are allowed, the process can be delayed due to backlogs in court systems. This delays resolution and adds financial pressure on both the landlords and tenants. The system as a whole is not designed to handle the scale of financial strain brought about by the pandemic, which further complicates the situation.

The Onus on Landlords

The onus on landlords to continue managing properties without compensation is a significant challenge. Even while tenants are not paying rent, landlords are still required to make mortgage payments, cover repair costs, and maintain the property. As such, it is unfair to expect them to shoulder the burden of loss without any form of compensation. The government has a crucial role to play in ensuring that landlords are not left to bear the brunt of such financial hardships.

Government Role in the Pandemic

The government should implement measures to support both landlords and tenants during times of crisis. For instance, governments could step in to pay rent directly, ensuring that neither party is burdened. Additionally, measures such as moratoriums on foreclosures can provide a temporary relief and prevent the cycle of poverty for both parties.

Poverty and Its Bi-directionality

Poverty affects not only tenants but also landlords. A landlord who cannot collect rent may go broke, leading to the potential foreclosure of the property. If a mortgage holder forecloses, they have the opportunity to rent the property to someone who can pay the rent, providing a temporary solution. This highlights the interconnectedness of the problem and the need for a holistic approach to addressing it.

Responsibilities of Tenants

While some tenants face hardships due to the pandemic, there are others who may have more readily manageable situations. It is the responsibility of tenants to address and resolve issues that affect not only themselves but their neighbors as well. Drug dealing, loud parties, filthy living conditions, and other disruptive behaviors should be rectified. If tenants do not cooperate in resolving these issues, eviction may be the only recourse.

Conclusion

The continued evictions by landlords during the pandemic have significant repercussions on poverty. While some landlords may be forced to evict due to financial constraints, the system must find ways to support both parties more effectively. Governments must play a pivotal role in providing relief and ensuring that the financial burden is shared more equitably. This requires a nuanced understanding of both landlord and tenant responsibilities and the implementation of policies that address these issues head-on.