Evictions are rising nationally and in Hamilton County, as pandemic assistance expires
CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Evictions are on the rise again nationally and in the Tri-State.
After three years of federal rental assistance because of the COVID-19 pandemic, assistance is running out and bans on evicting tenants are now expiring.
However, efforts in Hamilton County have kept eviction numbers below the average rate across the U.S.
Hamilton County's eviction filings exceeded the monthly average five out of the last seven months, according to Princeton University's Eviction Lab. Research analyst Adam Chapnik said there were 1,007 filings last month.
"That represented about 20% above the average that we saw in February, before the pandemic," Chapnik said.
The Eviction Lab calculated its pre-pandemic average by measuring evictions from 2010 to 2016.
In 2022, there were 970,000 eviction filings nationwide in the areas the Eviction Lab monitors, an increase of 78.6% compared to 2021.
There were 85,593 filings in December 2022 alone.
Out of the 32 cities the Eviction Lab monitors, 14 exceeded their pre-pandemic averages in 2022. In addition, all 32 saw an increase of some sort in 2022.
Houston and Las Vegas had an eviction rate that was 40% higher than their pre-pandemic average in 2022.
Pavan Parikh, Hamilton County Clerk of Courts, says the numbers aren't as high in Hamilton County as they were before the pandemic, when he county saw 12,000 evictions filings in 2019.
Still, Parikh expects the rate to go up.
“Our first hope is that, if anybody thinks they're coming into a problem that may result in an eviction, to seek help immediately. The earlier you seek help, the more options you're going to have," Parikh said.
Five years ago, the clerk's office created a help center to provide basic legal assistance to county residents. 43% of the cases at the help center deal with evictions.
National experts say evictions are less likely when tenants have legal help or representation.
Cleveland and New York City have some of the lowest national eviction rates, according to the Eviction Lab. Both cities provide free legal representation to any tenant facing eviction.
Cincinnati City Council passed a pay to stay ordinance during the pandemic. Meaning, a tenant that can show they have money coming from any source can't be evicted.
Such aid still exists from private sources, even if the federal rental assistance has been paid out through the pandemic.
Local 12 talked with Don Brunner, president and chief executive officer of BRG Properties, LLC, one of the area's largest apartment companies. Brunner is also immediate past chairman of the National Apartment Association.
Brunner said early communication between tenants and landlords is key to avoid evictions.
"The sooner a resident communicates that they're struggling, that they're in need," Brunner said. "We want to do that, we want to keep people in their homes. That's our goal."
In October 2022, more than a third of evictions in Hamilton County came from just 100 addresses, according to the Eviction Lab.
Chapnik says the data is a sign of increased out-of-town corporate ownership of area rent properties, as such landlords are less likely to settle and more likely to file for evictions.
The following is a list of all private or non-profit sources of rental assistance:
513 Relief Bus provides hep with rent, utilities or mortgages.
Apartment Assocation Outreach works with the following organizations:
Freestore Foodbank serves all the counties served by the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association
- Contact Ryan Luckie 513-357-4633.
- Click here for a referral from Freestore Foodbank
CAIN (Churches Active In Northside) serves the 45223 area.
- Contact Melissa Meyer 513-591-2246.
- Click here for referral form Churches Active In Northside
Jewish Family Service covers the Clifton area (45220)
- Contact Helpline 513-469-1188.
- Click here for referral form Jewish Family Service
Santa Maria Community Services covers all of Price Hill and the West side.
- Contact Susan Conrad 513-557-2700 x203
- Click here for referral form Santa Maria Community Services
Additional resources and programs that provide assistance in Cincinnati and Hamilton County (Help with utilities, rent assistance housing aid and counseling):
The Salvation Army of Greater Cincinnati (energy bill crisis assistance)
- This non-profit agency helps all people in southern Ohio and northern Kentucky. Some of the programs and services they provide can help with rent payments, provide free clothing, offer money for paying heating and utility bills, energy bill crisis assistance, and much more.
- Most of the aid is offered from a resource known as the Family Service program. Not only does it provide financial assistance (as indicated above) but it will offer social services, case management, and support such as credit counseling. Thousands of Hamilton County families receive help from the Salvation Army every year. They can also provide information as well, such as refer people to the Duke Energy assistance fund, known as HeatShare. Call the Cincinnati Salvation Army at 513-863-1445.
Santa Maria Community Services, which is located on State Avenue in Cincinnati, offers both homeowners and renters programs. Among the services they provide include mortgage delinquency, foreclosure counseling and mortgage default resolution advice. For renters, they may be able to provide section 8 rental assistance program rental listings as well as rent payment assistance. They can be reached at (513) 557-2710.
Churches Active in the Northside offers services including Rent payment assistance, access to food pantries, Utility bill payment assistance programs, and more. (513) 591-2246.
St Vincent De Paul Society offers Hamilton County and Cincinnati residents temporary financial assistance for rent expenses.
- Funding and resources are always limited though. In addition to housing assistance, Hamilton County families can look into other services.
- Saint Vincent can also offer qualified low income seniors, families with children, single parents and others additional aid. Some of the primary programs administered include prescription medications, food and clothing from thrift stores and pantries, cash grants for utility and heating bill help, and much more. Call (513) 641-0382
Winton Hills church is part of Saint Vincent. Food, clothing, and basic needs may be available for Hamilton County residents. For those that are otherwise self-sufficient, one time, emergency rent or energy bill help is offered. Eviction prevention and mediation from social workers can be performed with landlords and tenants. 4848 Wineste Avenue, Winton Place, OH 45232, call (513) 641-0382
Caring Place Of Cincinnati - This is an organization of local churches and they can provide a variety of services and assistance to members of the local community and Hamilton County. Among other aid, they can offer free food, clothing, furniture, rent, heating and utility bill assistance. Guidance include family development and support groups. Call (513) 841-1499
Christs Community In College Hill - Offers rent and eviction prevention help. Can make emergency payments and /or arrangements with land landlords and local community action agencies and charities. Call (513) 541-0303.
Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries Rehabilitation Center – Homeless veterans can apply for assistance with paying for security deposits, rent, delinquent heating and utility bills, furniture, and other household furnishings needed to establish a stable living environment. Also get food and help finding a job. Only homeless veterans can apply for this program. 10600 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215, (513) 771-4800
Caring Place Of Cincinnati - This is an organization of local churches and they can provide a variety of services and assistance to members of the local community and Hamilton County. Among other aid, they can offer free food, clothing, furniture, rent, heating and utility bill assistance. Guidance include family development and support groups. Call (513) 841-1499
Mercy Health - St. John has emergency assistance to pay rent or utilities. This is offered to help people maintain their current housing and avoid homelessness. 1800 Logan Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, call (513) 981-5800.
