The Effects of Emergency Rental Assistance During the Pandemic: Evidence from Four Cities

Robert Collinson, Anthony DeFusco, John Humphries, Benjamin Keys, David Phillips, Vincent Reina, Patrick Turner and Winnie van Dijk

No 32463, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: Short-term rental assistance expanded to unprecedented scale during the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluate five programs distributing over $200 million through lottery, using administrative and survey data to assess effects on rent payment, housing stability, financial distress, and health. Assistance led to increases in rent payment and reduced concerns about eviction, with suggestive improvements in self-reported mental and physical health. In contrast with pre-pandemic emergency rental assistance, we find little effect on housing stability or financial distress. Explanations for these muted effects include: eviction moratoria weakening the link between rent and displacement, expanded safety net programs, and market softening favoring tenants.

JEL-codes: H00 I38 J01 R38 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-05
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