Examining Excess Mortality Associated With the COVID-19 Pandemic for Renters Threatened With Eviction

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Sociology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing health disparities, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
• Residential evictions, a marker of housing instability, may have contributed to increased mortality during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the excess mortality associated with the COVID-19 pandemic among renters who received eviction filings (threatened renters).
• To compare excess mortality in threatened renters with that of the general population and residents of high-poverty areas.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study utilizing an excess mortality framework.
• Linked eviction and death records from 2020-2021 were compared to projected mortality from 2010-2016 data.
• Two comparison groups were established: the general population and individuals in high-poverty, high-filing tracts.

Main Results:

• Threatened renters experienced a 106% higher observed mortality compared to expected levels during the 20-month study period.
• Excess mortality in threatened renters (106% increase) was significantly higher than in similar neighborhoods (25% increase) and the general population (9% increase).
• Positive excess mortality ratios were observed across all age groups among threatened renters.

Conclusions:

• Renters who faced eviction filings experienced substantial excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Housing instability, indicated by eviction filings, is a significant factor contributing to adverse health outcomes and mortality during public health crises.
• Policies addressing housing security are crucial for mitigating health disparities and improving population health resilience.