Reimagining housing court: a framework for eviction diversion
Who should read this?
- Policymakers & court administrators: Find ways to improve eviction court outcomes
- Legal aid organizations: Identify supports for tenants and landlords
- Community leaders & advocates: Expand housing stability programs
Why this report matters
This guidance offers proven strategies and data-driven solutions to make court-based eviction diversion programs more effective.
Estimated report reading time: 45 minutes
Key takeaways
Eviction diversion works
Most cases that work with an eviction diversion program result in settlement or voluntary dismissal, reducing the number of eviction judgments.
Courts are problem-solvers
Housing courts that integrate legal aid, mediation, social services, and financial assistance see better outcomes for both tenants and landlords.
Building long-term solutions
Eviction diversion programs strengthen public trust, stabilize communities, and reduce court backlogs.
For the very first time in my life, I do not feel like I have to carry the weight of the world all by myself.
A tenant in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Our impact
of cases in diversion programs avoided an eviction judgment.
jurisdictions have successfully implemented court-based eviction diversion programs.
landlords and tenants used diversion program resources.
A smarter approach to housing court
Over 3.5 million eviction cases are filed each year in state courts. Eviction diversion shifts courts from crisis response to prevention. By integrating legal services, housing assistance, and mediation, these programs help families stay housed or come up with a plan to move out.
Without the eviction diversion facilitator, I wouldn't have understood what was going on with my tenant.
A landlord in Lansing, Mich.
Key pillars of EDI programs
This report found that successful court-based eviction diversion program must have these three elements.
Time
Eviction diversion isn't instant — it requires courts to adjust scheduling, allowing time for coordination and resolution.
Information
Landlords and tenants need clear guidance on how and why to participate, helping courts improve tenant engagement.
Resources
A strong referral network connects tenants and landlords with legal, financial, and social services to resolve disputes effectively and address both the immediate crisis and the underlying root causes.
Read the full report
Learn more about how eviction diversion is reshaping housing courts for the better.
Eviction Diversion Initiative
We're helping housing courts improve their processes to better meet community needs and create lasting solutions.