Study links hurricane exposure to higher eviction risk for renters

Hurricanes can displace renters even when their homes suffer no damage, according to new research led by Rowan University urban planner Qian He.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Planning Education and Research, He found that hurricanes can increase eviction risk through rising rents, revealing a less visible consequence of disasters that policies often overlook. 

Drawing on county-led data from 19 East and Gulf Coast states between 2009 and 2018, the study found that more frequent hurricane exposure was associated with higher eviction filing rates and greater risk of eviction. Rent increased an average of 1.8% during the year of a hurricane and rose another 2.7% the following year, with elevated rents persisting for up to two years after the storm. 

An assistant professor in Rowan University’s Department of Geography, Planning & Sustainability, He said the findings highlight the need to look beyond rebuilding damaged homes when assessing a community’s recovery.

“Disaster recovery often focuses on rebuilding damaged housing, however, rent increases after a hurricane can create displacement pressure for renters whose homes were never damaged,” she said. “Recovery policy needs to address housing affordability and eviction risk, not only physical reconstruction.”

A gap in disaster policy

Following a disaster, renters often face distinct social and economic challenges, including limited financial resources, less control over housing repairs and fewer opportunities to access assistance programs aimed primarily at property owners. 

At the same time, federal, state and local recovery programs frequently prioritize rebuilding, infrastructure repair and assistance for directly damaged properties and sometimes overlook renters who may experience indirect financial hardship through rising rent and increased housing instability. 

He and her research team suggest that disaster recovery policies should also consider emergency rental assistance, eviction-prevention measures, tenant protections and long-term monitoring of housing affordability.