Washington DC Renters Face Eviction Surge Post-Moratorium
Financial Pressures and the Impact of Budget Cuts Despite ongoing budgetary challenges, Washington DC's reduction of funding for its Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has intensified fiscal pressures on the city's most vulnerable renters. The 60% cut in ERAP funding, dropping to $27 million for FY 2025, is a significant setback. This drastic reduction directly impacts rental support, leading to an estimated 6,000 fewer households receiving vital aid. Evictions have surged, with FY 2024 seeing nearly 2,000 renter households evicted, a record high over the past decade. The number of evictions in the first four months of FY 2025 nearly doubled compared to the same period in FY 2024. The financial strain is pronounced among approximately 37,000 low-income households spending over 50% of their income on housing. The surge in distressed properties further exacerbates the challenges faced by the market. Such extreme rent burdens highlight severe funding challenges. This und...