ClearThe global cost-of-living crisis has pushed millions of households into financial difficulty. This article compares debt levels and eviction trends across the UK, United States, and France — three major economies facing similar pressures with different responses.
Household Debt Comparison
| Country | Debt-to-Income Ratio | Total Household Debt | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 118% | £1.84 trillion | ↑ Rising |
| USA | ~100% | $17.5 trillion | ↑ Rising |
| France | 90.94% | $2.34 trillion | ↑ Rising (slower) |
The UK has the highest household debt-to-income ratio among the three, meaning British families owe more relative to their earnings than their American or French counterparts.
Eviction and Enforcement Statistics
| Location | Annual Evictions/Filings | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| UK | ~30,000 possession orders enforced | ↑ 40% (repossessions) |
| Los Angeles | 70,000+ eviction notices | ↓ Declining from 2023 peak |
| New York City | 112,000+ court filings | → Below pre-pandemic levels |
| France | 24,556 forced evictions | ↑ 29% — record high |
Enforcement orders and warrants issued annually in the UK alone
Bailiff and Enforcement Systems
United Kingdom
- Enforcement agents: Certificated bailiffs and High Court Enforcement Officers
- Notice period: 7 clear days before first visit
- Fees: £75 compliance, £235 enforcement, £110 + 7.5% for sale
- Regulation: Enforcement Conduct Board (voluntary) — statutory regulation coming
United States
- Enforcement: Sheriff's office executes evictions
- Process: Varies by state — typically 3-30 days notice
- Protections: Right to Counsel in some cities (NYC, LA)
- Regulation: State and local laws vary significantly
France
- Enforcement: Commissaire de Justice (court officer)
- Winter protection: No evictions 1 November – 31 March (trêve hivernale)
- Process: Court order required, police assistance for forced evictions
- Recent changes: 2023 law made evictions faster and easier
Tenant Protections Compared
| Protection | UK | US (varies) | France |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter eviction ban | No | Some cities | Yes (Nov–Mar) |
| Right to lawyer | Legal aid (limited) | NYC, LA only | Legal aid available |
| Rent control | No (except Scotland) | Some cities | Limited |
| Just cause eviction | Coming (Renters' Rights Bill) | California, NYC | Yes |
UK Reforms Coming
The Renters' Rights Bill will abolish Section 21 "no-fault" evictions and introduce new protections for tenants in England. Scotland already has stronger tenant protections.
Key Findings
- France has the highest eviction rate relative to population, with numbers doubling in a decade
- UK has the highest debt burden as a proportion of household income
- US cities show mixed trends — some stabilising, others still rising
- All three countries are debating stronger bailiff/enforcement regulation
- Court backlogs are a common problem affecting timely resolution
Facing Debt or Housing Issues in the UK?
We help UK residents prepare professional documents for courts and tribunals. Responses to bailiffs, possession defence, and formal complaints.
Request a QuoteSources
- Office for National Statistics (UK)
- Federal Reserve Bank of New York
- French Ministry of Housing
- Banque de France
- Centre for Social Justice
- Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
- NYC Office of Civil Justice
- Fondation pour le Logement