Abstract
While it is widely acknowledged that Chinese urban villages provide an important source of rental housing for low-income populations, the composition of their dwellers, housing conditions and rental contracts has not been adequately studied. Drawing from surveys of sixty urban villages in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, this study finds that housing in urban villages is more family oriented; that over half of dwellers work in the tertiary sector; and that although they have relatively stable jobs, few have job security with contracts. In predominantly rental housing, the housing unit is small. Tight control by the city government over housing development has led to quite expensive rentals measured by unit space as well as poorer housing conditions. Tenancy informality in terms of the absence of formal contracts is widespread and most severe in Shanghai. The lack of formal contracts is largely independent of the status of dwellers or their job status but is rather dependent upon the rent value.
Highlights
Rapid urbanization in China has led to significant demand for housing
While it is widely acknowledged that Chinese urban villages provide an important source of rental housing for low-income populations, the composition of their dwellers, housing conditions and rental contracts has not been adequately studied
This study focuses on housing in Chinese urban villages
Summary
Migrants who live in informal settlements may have a restricted social network. Those who have better connections with local urban residents may have access to formal housing (Liu et al, 2013). ‘occupancy security’ in rented housing has attracted attention (Hulse & Milligan, 2014) Against this background, this study focuses on housing in Chinese urban villages. The study examines the dwellers of urban village housing, housing conditions and the formality of tenancy. Conclusions are drawn for understanding housing in Chinese urban villages
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