How Are Landlords Faring During The Covid-19 Pandemic? Evidence From A National Cross-Site Survey
August 25, 2021 by This report examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on landlords’ rent collection and business practices, based on a survey of over 2,500 rental property owners in ten U.S. cities. It reveals a significant decline in rent collection in 2020 compared to 2019, with smaller landlords being the most affected. Many landlords adjusted their practices by granting rent extensions, forgiving back rent, and deferring maintenance. The report also highlights that rental properties in communities of color were more likely to be behind on rent, and landlords in these areas were more likely to take punitive actions against tenants. These findings suggest that the pandemic has exacerbated existing racial inequalities in housing markets. The report underscores the need for equitable and effective rental housing policies to address these challenges.