When the bailiff knocks

The number of evictions has been increasing for some years and in recent years politicians have adopted a number of preventive measures.
This study looks more closely at the reasons behind evictions, the consequences for tenants, as well as the possibilities of preventing evictions. Focus is also on the significance of the municipal differences in dealing with eviction cases and how this affects the number of evictions. Another aspect investigated is the role of housing organisations in prevention and eviction.
The report shows that the number of effective evictions more than doubled between 2002 and 2010. Single men make up the largest group of evicted tenants, while single mothers are the next largest group. The total number of children evicted from their homes doubled from 700 children in 2002 to about 1500 children in 2010.
Municipalities with enhanced efforts to prevent evictions through new political initiatives have managed to reduce the numbers of bailiff cases and evictions. On the other hand, the obligations for social housing organisations to report rental arrears to the municipality have yet to have an impact.