Factors associated with self-initiated moves during the formal eviction process

Abstract

Housing eviction is a common occurrence, affecting hundreds of thousands of Europeans annually. It is well known that it primarily impacts the most vulnerable groups in society and is associated with adverse outcomes. However, previous research heavily relies on enforced removals registered in official statistics, thus missing eviction outcomes that do not undergo or disrupt the formal eviction process. This exploratory study, based on unique national Swedish register data on evictions with a sample of over 60,000 individuals, examines self-initiated moves and contrasts them with enforced removals and lease regain. Results from univariable and multivariable multinomial logistic regression analyses indicate that economic hardship and living in a single household are associated with both self-initiated moves and enforced removals. However, distinct factors associated with self-initiated moves are aged under twenty-five, living as a couple with children, residing in a non-metropolitan municipality, and having a native background. Gender-stratified analysis highlights strong associations for young women and native-background women with self-initiated moves. The results underscore the significance of implementing preventive social services interventions that address the specific needs of this larger group of individuals who face evictions under a broader definition. Further implications for research, policy, and social work practice are discussed.