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Housing

The Fight Against Evictions Moves to the Courts

With rents at all-time highs and few pandemic protections in place, US housing officials are looking to judges to slow the rise in evictions.

Suburban homes in New Mexico, which has managed to keep its eviction rate low despite rising housing costs.

Suburban homes in New Mexico, which has managed to keep its eviction rate low despite rising housing costs.

Photographer: David Kozlowski/Moment Mobile ED via Getty Images

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The US affordable housing crisis has not spared the Land of Enchantment.

Rents are skyrocketing in Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, rising nearly 40% since March 2020, according to Apartment List. In nearby Santa Fe, the average two-bedroom apartment goes for $1,400, comparable to rents in larger and more exclusive metros. New Mexico’s eviction moratorium expired in April, allowing landlords to force out tenants who can’t keep up with rising costs.