A Descriptive Analysis of the Top Fifty Eviction Hotspots in Philadelphia

Abstract

This research paper offers a descriptive analysis of the top fifty properties in the city of Philadelphia based on how many evictions the property has filed within a one year time frame spanning from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. The research analyzes these properties from public information concerning the area, inspections, violations, ownership and other characteristics. The two databases used in the study were the Eviction Tracking System, provided by the Eviction Lab, and the Philadelphia Public Website. These characteristics were then analyzed for the effect they might have on eviction filing outcomes. The research found that no major variable mentioned previously has a significant correlation with the amount of evictions that a property owner files against their tenants. This suggests that further research needs to be done in order to figure out why these buildings are filing evictions so frequently. The presence of these properties on this list and lack of reasoning suggests that public policy might be needed in order to decrease evictions and reduce poverty in the city. These fifty properties are a jumping point for policy in that they represent a relatively small number of owners who account for a relatively large percentage of the total eviction filings in the city. Public policy suggestions are eviction forgiveness programs to keep evictions off the records of tenants, investigations into serial eviction filers, and providing legal counsel to these tenants for free or at a reduced cost.