The Eviction Lab has a clear social justice mission and impact on society.

Addressing the Housing Injustice

Eviction Lab gathered and analyzed a significant amount of data regarding the nation, which helps prove that this is not a secluded issue, but a standard one that unequally affects minority groups. This includes people of color, low- income communities, and renters.

A cultural shift is then created by confronting the idea that evictions are personal economic problems, but instead a systematic issue that is tied to injustice and inequality.

Raising Awareness

The data provided within Eviction Lab, is easily accessible to the general public, which helps to educate individuals all over the world about the impact of this issue.

By spreading the word, more conversations can be made regarding the rights of tenants, housing policies, and the joining of eviction with poverty, gender, and race. Allowing a build for cultural awareness within the social justice issue that is, housing insecurity.

Influencing Policy

Many cities and states have utilized the data provided within Eviction Lab to craft tenant protections such as eviction diversion programs and right-to-counsel laws.

Racial injustice was also highlighted within the housing courts due to the data provided by The Lab. As a result, reforms and advocacy have been stimulated for a more fair court proceeding.

Racial Inequality

A critical finding from the Eviction Lab’s research is the racial disparity in eviction filings. Black renters, who constitute less than 20% of the renter population, account for over 50% of all eviction filings. This indicates a systemic issue where Black communities face a disproportionate risk of eviction, highlighting the intersection of housing instability and racial inequality.

Issues, Groups, and Approaches Related to Culture/Social Justice:

• Issues: The Lab addresses housing insecurity, poverty, and systemic racism, emphasizing how eviction contributes to cycles of poverty and affects future housing opportunities.
• Groups: Marginalized communities, particularly Black and Latinx renters, are central to the Lab’s research. For instance, Black renters face eviction filings at more than double the rate of white renters. ​ 
• Approaches: The Eviction Lab employs data collection and analysis to inform policy and public awareness. By providing accessible data and research, the Lab supports community organizers, legal advocates, and policymakers in developing interventions to reduce evictions and promote housing stability.