Evictions

I’ve been serving as a Constable since the fall of 1999. Over the years, I’ve handled more evictions than I can count—certainly more than a few hundred, though fewer than a thousand full move-outs. With each one, I’ve witnessed a wide range of situations and outcomes.

Friends, colleagues, and clients have often encouraged me to share what a real eviction looks like. But even those closest to the process may not fully understand the scope of what we see in the field.

There are both “good” and “bad” evictions. While many people picture the worst-case scenarios—damaged property, trashed apartments, and chaos—that’s not always the reality. In fact, many evictions are handled calmly and respectfully, with minimal disruption.

The goal of the TikTok page is not to shame or embarrass anyone. Evictions are complex, and there are often multiple factors at play—economic, personal, or otherwise. My intent in sharing these videos is to shed light on the realities of eviction, spark conversation, and foster understanding about the broader issues involved.

For privacy and respect, I do not disclose addresses, tenant names, or show the faces of those involved.

 I'm not a psychiatrist, and these are simply observations I've made over the years in the field. The reasons behind evictions are often complex and deeply personal. Here are a few common patterns I’ve noticed:

Loss of Income
One of the most common causes is a sudden or sustained loss of income—whether from losing a job, an injury, or becoming unable to work. For some, the shift during the COVID-19 pandemic made returning to work difficult. Unemployment can lead to a cascade of challenges, including depression, anxiety, and loss of self-worth.

Substance Abuse
Addiction, whether to drugs or alcohol, can be devastating. When substance use becomes the priority, responsibilities and relationships often suffer. Unfortunately, housing is usually one of the first things to fall apart.

Emotional or Mental Health Challenges
Some individuals suffer from cognitive or emotional impairments and may struggle to manage their daily responsibilities. In many cases, a caregiver may have passed away or is no longer involved, leaving the person vulnerable and unsupported.

System Manipulation
There are rare instances where tenants deliberately take advantage of the system—moving into a property they cannot afford with the intent to remain as long as legally possible before moving on and repeating the cycle. While not common, it does happen.

Everyday People Facing Hard Times
Most importantly, many people facing eviction are just ordinary individuals trying to get by. They’re not criminals or irresponsible—they're simply going through a difficult chapter in life. I've met many good people who, despite their best efforts, found themselves in this situation.