Promoting Housing Stability through Eviction Prevention for Older Adults in Social Housing: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Evictions are a major contributor to homelessness among low-income older renters, many of whom are living in social housing. Research indicates that social housing may protect individuals from eviction, but older adults may still be vulnerable, especially for non-payment of rent. This research used a qualitative approach to understand the factors that place older adults in social housing at risk of eviction and identify strategies to promote housing stability.

Research design and methods: Participants included older adult tenants in social housing in Toronto, Canada (n=58) as well as community-based health and social service providers (n=58) that operate in the buildings. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups explored (a) experiences with eviction; (b) challenges tenants face managing their tenancy; and (c) supports tenants need to maintain their housing.

Results: Most service providers had experiences supporting a tenant under threat of eviction. Tenants similarly had experiences with the eviction process, ranging from being threatened with a future eviction to receiving eviction notices and attending hearings with the landlord and tenant board. To understand experiences with evictions and opportunities to strengthen eviction prevention practices, we generated the following themes: (a) creating fear and mistrust through evictions; (b) identifying the underlying cause of an eviction; (c) ineffective tenancy management practices; and (d) proactive community supports.

Discussion and implications: Current eviction prevention strategies were viewed as inadequate, and findings highlighted the need to transform supports to better meet the needs of low-income older tenants. This includes more proactive and "senior friendly" approaches and increased access to community support services to promote housing stability.