Economic Impact of Eviction Right to Council
Stout was engaged by Columbus City Council to conduct an economic impact assessment for the associated costs and benefits of a Right to Council program at eviction court within the City of Columbus and Franklin County. The program would offer legal representation and assistance to tenants who are facing eviction and meet certain income eligibility criteria.
With an annual investment of $6.1 Million in an eviction right to counsel, at full implementation, Columbus & Franklin County may recognize economic benefits of at least an estimated $24.4 Million.
In 2023, under City Councilmember Shayla Favor’s flagship program, Housing For All, we passed $1.5M in funding to pilot an expansion of Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio’s Tenant Advocacy Program (TAP) to provide Legal Representation at Eviction Court for eligible tenants. Recognizing that nationally about 90 percent of landlords are represented by legal counsel but fewer than 5 percent of tenants have representation.
By investing in a right to counsel program for residents facing an eviction we stabilize families, address concerns of public safety & crime, and demonstrate our commitment to small businesses and housing providers by ensuring they are made whole, thereby creating stronger, more stable communities for everyone in Columbus.
Key Findings
Significant Cost Savings: For every $1 invested in such a program, a return of at least $4 is estimated, due to a decreased reliance on various assistance programs. This translates to an estimated annual benefit of $24.4 million for the city and county. The program’s preventative approach addresses the root causes of evictions, reducing the likelihood of more costly interventions later on.
Reduced Eviction Rates: Eviction cases are projected to decrease at an annual rate of 5% following the implementation of a right to counsel program at eviction court. This projection is based on the experiences of cities that have implemented similar programs, where a reduction in the amount of eviction fillings has been observed. By providing legal assistance, this program will help tenants understand their rights and options, leading to more sustainable housing solutions and preventing further evictions.
Improved Case Resolution: At full implementation, this program is estimated to assist over 4,900 eligible households, increasing successful case resolution from 8% to an approximate 82%. Such a substantial improvement highlights the importance of legal representation in navigating complex eviction proceedings. With legal counsel, tenants can be better equipped to negotiate with their landlord and present their cases effectively, ultimately leading to more favorable and just outcomes.
Broad Social Benefits
An Eviction Right to Council program’s impact would extend beyond just housing security within the City of Columbus and Franklin County. The positive impacts of this program would reach areas such as healthcare, employment, and education, with an estimated cost of $6.1 million but economic return of at least $24.4 million. Stable housing provides individuals and families with a foundation to improve their overall well-being, as they are more likely to maintain employment, access healthcare services, and support childhood education. All of these areas lead to long-term healthcare and economic benefits for both tenants and the entire community.
To view the report, click here(PDF, 652KB) .