Desmond's findings identify which of the following as a major contributor to evictions?

• A. High housing costs
• B. Prolific home improvements by landlords
• C. Rapid urban renewal
• D. Strong tenant unions

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that affordability, or housing cost burden, is the key driver of evictions in Desmond’s findings. When rents are high relative to what a renter earns, even small financial shocks—like a job loss, medical bill, or a delayed paycheck—can push them into missing payments and facing eviction. Desmond’s fieldwork shows eviction isn’t just a one-time event for a few families; it’s a recurring risk for households trapped by high housing costs. This pattern helps explain repeated moves, instability, and the knock-on effects on children and family life, since housing stability is tightly linked to family well-being.

Other factors like rapid urban renewal or landlord-driven improvements can contribute to displacement in some cases, and stronger tenant unions can reduce eviction risk by offering protections. But the persistent, widespread connection Desmond documents is the squeeze created by high housing costs relative to income.