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Authority reports $66,726 in post-eviction tenant debt; eviction-diversion referrals and nonpayment notices rise
Summary
Staff reported $66,726.50 in accounts receivable from tenants who were evicted, an additional $33,884 in active court cases, and rising referrals and nonpayment notices that are straining resident services staff.
Housing authority staff told commissioners the accounts receivable tied to past evictions currently total $66,726.50, and an additional $33,884 is active in the court system as upcoming first returns and trials. Staff said they plan to write off long-uncollectable balances at year-end while still attempting collection through tax intercept and other means.
"On your report, I believe it said 49,000. The actual number is $66,726.50," the Housing Director said, correcting a figure in the property management report.
Staff also described rising demand on resident services as eviction-diversion work increases. Deputy Executive Director Kathleen said the eviction-diversion program has generated 128 referrals from property management to resident services since it began, and that nonpayment notices alone numbered 138 for the month of September. West Haven accounted for 59 referrals, Crescent Halls 25, and South Berkshire 17, Kathleen said.
"Since we started the program, we've had 128 referrals from property management to the resident services team," Kathleen said, describing the concentration of work and the burden on a small staff. Staff noted one resident-services coordinator is part time at Crescent Halls and that the caseload is straining internal capacity.
Staff described several mitigation steps under way: pursuing partnerships with local nonprofits for wraparound services, connecting residents to food distribution events, training staff in budgeting and Medicaid navigation, and exploring creative repayment arrangements. They said some agencies limit payment assistance for tenant debts over specific thresholds, requiring additional partner funds or novel arrangements to resolve large balances.
Ending: Staff said they will continue pursuing collections where feasible, consider year-end write-offs for uncollectable debt, and work with partners to expand supports that reduce future evictions.
