Researchers at Stanford University studied the complete universe of residential unlawful detainer (eviction) filings in San Mateo County for calendar years 2019 and 2023, the first full year before and after COVID-19-related moratoria and rental assistance were in place.
Key findings include:

• The number of evictions filed in 2023 returned to pre-pandemic level.
• Most evictions are based upon alleged nonpayment of rent.
• Most landlords are represented by counsel and most tenants are not, with the rate of landlord representation increasing from 2019 to 2023.
• Most landlord-plaintiffs are business entities rather than individuals, and the percentage of entity plaintiffs rose significantly from 65% in 2019 to 75% in 2023.
• The percentage of cases that ended in judgment (including default judgment, and as opposed to dismissal), decreased from just over 50% in 2019 to 44% in 2023.
• The rate at which writs of possession were issued in both years was dramatically lower in cases in which the defendant-tenant appeared than in cases where the defendant-tenant defaulted.
• The rate of judgment against defendant in both years was dramatically lower in cases in which the defendant-tenant appeared than in cases where the defendant-tenant defaulted.