The tenure trap: The vulnerability of renters to joint natural and technological disasters

Natural disasters can result in releases of toxic materials that pose a grave threat to populations exposed to them. The authors provide evidence from California and Louisiana to show that in comparison with homeowners, renters are significantly less well prepared to survive a joint natural and technological disaster without injury. Rental housing can be targeted for public awareness and other measures that can improve the preparedness of tenants, but barriers that inhibit progress are substantial. Nevertheless, with a carefully crafted plan of action based on a variety of policy instruments, the tenure trap can be disabled.