SALT LAKE CITY – Eviction requests for the first six months of this year are up 46% compared to the same period in 2021, according to the Utah Rental Housing Association.
Despite the increase in evictions, the RHAU says evictions remain below pre-pandemic levels.
The reason for the increase in evictions
Since the start of the pandemic, approximately $200 million in federal funds have been distributed by the state for rental assistance. And most of those funds have been exhausted.
“Many tenants have received state rent assistance and it is running out after 18 months,” RHAU board chairman Brad Randall said in a news release. “When their housing assistance runs out, some are unable to pay their rent and receive eviction notices.”
Utah’s eviction records by the numbers
According to a news release, there were 2,888 eviction requests in Utah in the first six months of 2022. In the first half of 2021, there were 1,975 eviction requests in the state . In the first six months of 2018 and 2019, the state recorded 3,523 and 3,478 evictions.
“Evictions are still lower than in pre-pandemic years,” Randall said. “If you compare evictions in the first half of 2022 to the first half of 2019, a more typical year before state and federal housing assistance programs took effect, evictions were down 17%. Evictions in Utah are well below the national average and lower than our neighboring states.
Tips for those struggling to pay their rent
If someone is struggling to pay rent, RHAU says the best option may be for that person to move out and avoid any possible legal action.
RHAU offers four options for those struggling to pay rent to consider.
- Personal resources. If necessary, individuals should consider selling personal items to help pay the rent.
- Often friends and family can help.
- If requested, churches and organizations within a community can help with the cost of rent. They can also help individuals develop a plan to become self-sufficient.
- Government rent assistance. The state has an eviction prevention specialist, who can be reached at 801-214-3109.
Is rental assistance still an option?
According to the press release, more than $100 million is still available for Utah tenants. Individuals who earned 80% or less of the region’s median income as of 2020 are available. Additionally, anyone who is 60 days or more behind on rent is also available for assistance for up to 18 months.
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