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Hurricanes Drove Rent Increases and Evictions From 2009-2018

Researchers found that renters face elevated costs and eviction risks for two years following hurricane exposure.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Apartments

Bold vector editorial illustration of a stylized house frame with wind lines, representing the impact of storm exposure on rental housing.
Renters in the U.S. faced increased eviction filings and higher costs for up to two years after experiencing hurricanes, according to new research. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should disaster recovery policies prioritize renter protection and rent stability over physical housing reconstruction?

A study of county-level data from 19 East and Gulf Coast states between 2009 and 2018 identified a clear link between hurricane exposure and increased eviction filing rates. Renters often faced these challenges as housing costs rose significantly in the years immediately following a storm.

Why it matters

Renters often lack control over necessary housing repairs and have less access to property-owner disaster assistance programs. This dynamic places households at greater risk of displacement when regional rent prices surge after storm damage occurs.

Researchers at Rowan University found that hurricanes triggered rent hikes averaging 1.8% during the year of the storm and 2.7% the year after. These elevated housing costs persisted for up to two years across the 19 East and Gulf Coast states studied.

The players

Rowan University

An academic institution where researchers led the study on post-hurricane housing and eviction trends.

The details

Hurricanes drive rent increases by reducing the total supply of habitable units while simultaneously creating immense pressure on local housing markets. Because disaster recovery programs frequently prioritize property damage repair for owners over direct financial assistance for tenants, renters are often left with limited support as costs rise. This structural inequality forces many households to navigate displacement pressures long after the storm has passed.

Timeline

  1. 2009-2018 was the period analyzed by researchers.

  2. Rent increased by an average of 1.8% during the year of a hurricane.

  3. Rent increased by an average of 2.7% in the year following a hurricane.

  4. Elevated rent prices were found to persist for up to two years post-storm.

The Home Front

This research provides a clear historical framework for understanding how disaster-induced housing instability impacts the broader rental market. It highlights a critical disconnect between property recovery policies and the reality of long-term housing affordability for renters.

Renters in hurricane-prone regions should keep documentation of lease agreements and maintain an emergency fund for potential housing cost volatility after a major storm. If you face sudden rent hikes, consult local tenant rights resources or a housing legal aid professional to understand your specific protections.

The takeaway

Disaster recovery is often built to support property owners, leaving renters vulnerable to two years of sustained price increases following a hurricane. Maintain a file of your lease and local tenant advocacy contacts to better navigate potential displacement risks in the wake of a storm.

Further reading

For more on managing housing shifts, visit the Apartments section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Phys.

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Should disaster recovery policies prioritize renter protection and rent stability over physical housing reconstruction?