Maps

Discover our research framework or check out
the full metrics list

This year, we’ve reformed the Index to focus on unhoused youth and young adults (YYA), aligning it with their experiences and policy needs. Shifting from harm reduction to transformative change, some jurisdictions may see lower scores than before. This is a deliberate strategy, not a setback. Lower scores should motivate, not discourage, jurisdictions. They present an opportunity to adopt policies that effectively tackle and prevent youth homelessness, fostering meaningful progress.

Housing Protections for People with Eviction Records

  • Right to housing

The jurisdiction has housing protections for people with eviction records

Eviction records have long been used as a means for landlords to screen potential tenants, allowing them to deny housing to individuals who have been evicted in the past. However, recent research has shed light on the fact that this practice disproportionately affects people of color.

Studies have shown that eviction rates are much higher among Black and Latinx communities, and that these communities are therefore more likely to have eviction records on their rental history. This perpetuates systemic racism in the housing market, as it becomes even harder for people of color to secure safe and affordable housing.

Key Metric Score Type of Policy Description
1.0 Reform The jurisdiction prohibits discrimination based on eviction history
0.5 Harm Reduction The jurisdiction limits landlord’s ability to consider eviction history
0.0 Status Quo No laws found
No Data No Data No Data

Cite: National Homelessness Law Center and True Colors United. ", Housing Protections for People with Eviction Records" https://youthstateindex.com/maps/housing-protections-for-people-with-eviction-records/. Accessed: July 25, 2024.

Right to Housing

The Index is centered around the fundamental human right to housing. A right to housing is the guarantee that every youth and young adult can access and maintain safe and habitable housing. The elements of a right to housing are:

  1. Security of tenure;
  2. Availability of services;
  3. Affordability;
  4. Accessibility;
  5. Habitability;
  6. Location;
  7. Cultural adequacy. 

“There should always be somewhere for everybody to go. We all should be able to have the housing we need. It shouldn’t be something that you HOPE to get, it should be a given. Build more shelters, build more housing.”K. Livingston


These maps are provided as legal information only and should not be used as legal advice for your specific situation. If you need help with any of the issues described on this website, please check out the Homeless Youth Legal Network (HYLN) directory OR email or call HYLN for help finding a referral to a lawyer.