The True Cost of Evictions

When people hear the word “eviction,” they often imagine a simple situation: someone can’t pay rent and they’re asked to leave. But the reality is far more complicated and far more devastating. For those already living on the edge, eviction isn’t just a housing issue. It’s the kind of event that can unravel everything else: jobs, health, stability, and even a sense of safety.

Losing your home is hard enough. But eviction also cuts people off from their support systems, disrupts daily life, and makes it harder to meet even the most basic needs. It’s deeply traumatic and its effects don’t just fade after the move. Financial strain, emotional stress, damaged credit, and difficulty securing housing in the future can follow someone for years. For many, eviction is the first step in a much longer journey through housing instability or even homelessness.

At AHA, we see just how far-reaching the impact of eviction can be and how simple measures can make a great difference. Because when we help someone stay housed, we’re helping preserve the foundation they need to move forward.

Let’s dive into some of the facets of eviction that live below the surface. 

The Financial Implications of Eviction

Eviction can be financially devastating, and not just in the ways you might expect. There are the immediate, visible expenses like past-due rent, late fees, and legal costs. On top of that, families often face the burden of paying for moving trucks, storage units, and sometimes even application fees or deposits for a new place, if they’re lucky enough to find one willing to rent to them.

But the hidden costs add up just as quickly. People may lose income from taking time off work to attend court hearings or handle the logistics of moving. If their belongings are thrown out or left behind, they may have to start over with basic furniture, clothing, and household items. And if the new location is farther from work, school, or childcare, transportation and caregiving expenses can rise significantly.

For low-income households already living paycheck to paycheck, even a minor financial setback can create months or years of hardship. Eviction can drive someone into debt, wreck their credit, and close the door on future housing opportunities. For people already struggling to stay afloat, it can be the push that sends them into long-term housing instability.

The Emotional and Psychological Toll of Eviction

While the financial consequences of eviction are steep, the psychological toll is just as significant. Eviction often brings with it a wave of emotions. The process can trigger heightened stress, anxiety, and depression. Many people experience feelings of shame, failure, and isolation, especially when the eviction is public or abrupt. For children, the disruption to their routines, like having to leave their school or neighborhood, can lead to emotional instability, academic setbacks, and behavioral changes. Adults may struggle to maintain employment, care for family members, or access resources in the midst of that upheaval.

And beyond the immediate shock, the trauma lingers. The loss of community, the fear of it happening again, and the uncertainty of what comes next can stick with people long after they’ve moved out. Eviction isn’t just an event—it’s a deeply destabilizing experience that leaves an emotional imprint for years to come.

The Lasting Housing Implications from Eviction

One of the most damaging and often overlooked impacts of eviction is how long it follows someone. Once an eviction appears on a person’s rental history, it becomes incredibly difficult to find a new place to live.

Landlords routinely conduct background and credit checks, and many automatically deny applications from anyone with a prior eviction, a court judgment related to housing, or poor credit tied to unpaid rent. Even if the eviction happened years ago or if the renter now has steady income and housing assistance, the red flag remains.

This creates a vicious cycle. People with eviction records are routinely shut out of safe and stable housing options, leaving them with few alternatives. Many are forced into temporary shelters, overcrowded living situations, or unsafe housing conditions. It’s not just about losing one home. It’s about losing access to the housing market altogether.

That’s why at AHA, we focus on keeping people housed wherever and whenever we can. We know that once someone is evicted, the barriers only get higher. But when we step in early, offer consistent support, and work with people—not just their paperwork—we can stop the cycle before it starts.

If you or someone you know is facing eviction, reach out to us today. We help individuals and families in LA and Orange Counties get connected to housing and other services they need.