By Hannah Williams | October 18, 2021

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa—After the federal ban on eviction was lifted earlier this summer, millions of Americans are endanger of evictions due to rising rent prices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), created a federal eviction moratorium to create eviction protection for millions of households during the pandemic, but the end of the federal ban has come amid escalating rent.

The federal eviction moratorium was a safety net that allowed stability for millions of families, but now tenants and renters are anticipating the rise in evictions due to the termination and soaring rent.

According to the Eviction Lab at Princeton University, the Supreme Court overturning President Biden’s extension on the eviction moratorium had no severe impact on eviction levels (YET), and filings have only subtly increased and still remain below pre-pandemic averages.

Although eviction rates remain steady, the price of annual rent has rose 10.3 percent for apartments, which has created heightened tension and anxiety amongst tenants.

Now, how does public relations come into this picture. Realistically, the concept of PR can’t really help renters pay their bills, but PR can manage the crisis that will ultimately befall the real estate market, or create awareness.

This article comes as negative news for many people, but real estate companies can actually benefit from broadcasting a more positive and supportive image towards renters, and actively advocating and helping renters not be evicted.

It’s the job of companies to inform and educate their clients on negative aspects of the market, especially when it comes to home security.

Develop messages or create campaigns that will educate renters on the possibility of eviction and how to find assistance. By creating and accumulating helpful resources, organizations can offer assistance to renters that are facing potential eviction.

Not only do you help a family but you also shape a positive public perception for yourself.

To Dos:

Blog frequently, create interactive social media campaigns, find a target audience. It’s important to understand that communities that have high eviction statistics will not be in an affluent suburb. Focus on low-income communities that may not have the resources to overcome an eviction.

Creating awareness and helpful material to combat eviction rates is only a step in the right direction. Real estate organizations must be committed to ensuring that communities do not suffer from market displacement.

For more information read the New York Times Article: As Rents Rise, So Do Pressures on People at Risk of Eviction 

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