Post Reports Who decides who gets evicted?
Aug 26, 2021
Marissa Lang, a dedicated Washington Post reporter focused on housing, shares her insights on the precarious world of evictions in Mississippi. She highlights how the federal eviction ban often falters due to disparate judicial discretion, making outcomes unpredictable. Listeners hear the emotional story of a young mother battling eviction after losing her job, underscoring the significant discrepancies in enforcement. Lang also discusses shifting dynamics between landlords and tenants in the wake of the pandemic, revealing the complexities of housing security amid ongoing challenges.
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Moratorium Enforcement
- The eviction moratorium's effectiveness depends on local enforcement, particularly judges' discretion.
- Many eviction cases proceed despite the moratorium, leaving vulnerable renters at risk.
Jennifer Cage's Eviction
- Jennifer Cage, a single, immunocompromised mom, faced eviction in Biloxi, Mississippi.
- Despite the moratorium and legal representation, she was evicted because her lease expired, leaving her devastated.
Judge's Perspective
- Judge Albert Fountain expressed frustration, believing tenants exploit the system and disrespect landlords.
- He felt the moratorium disrupted the tenant-landlord dynamic, creating an unfair advantage for tenants.