COVID-19 Impact: Struggles Continue For Georgia Renters, In Atlanta Housing Sector

With the number of coronavirus cases on the uptick in Georgia, combined with the expiration of the federal eviction moratorium, Lending Tree’s chief economist Tendayi Kapfidze predicts renters and landlords will feel more of a sting this winter.

In Georgia, nearly a quarter of all renters didn’t make last month’s rent payment, the fourth highest in the nation. Many more are afraid they won’t be able to pay for housing next month, according to the online loan portal Lending Tree, which analyzed U.S. Census Bureau Household data.

This bleak picture comes as a federal moratorium on evictions is set to expire on Dec. 31.

WABE’s “All Things Considered” host Jim Burress spoke with Lending Tree’s chief economist, Tendayi Kapfidze, and asked him to put into perspective how serious of a condition Georgia renters find themselves in.