Housing Quality Research Articles

Housing the Teacher Workforce: A Scoping Review

Globally, education systems are faced with dual workforce crises: a shortage of teachers and a lack of affordable housing. Attracting and retaining teachers through improved renumeration, working conditions, and quality preparation have been central. However, initiatives to attract and retain teachers mean little if the workforce cannot find appropriate (quality and affordable) housing within commuting distance to their workplaces. The present study undertakes a scoping review of research on the intersection of housing and the school education workforce. Specifically, we examine the volume, variety, and characteristics of evidence through the question of ‘What empirical studies have been published on the relationship between housing and the school education workforce?’ Online databases were used to identify 23 studies published in 2000–2024 from Australia, China, England, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Tanzania, Uganda, the UK, and the USA. Publications drew on a range of methods and housing was rarely the focal unit of analysis. This study finds that beyond establishing unaffordability through salary and housing costs ratios, and the peripheral inclusion of housing issues in studies, there is insufficient published peer reviewed evidence available to purposefully inform and measure interventions. Greater interdisciplinarity is required in research to highlight the complexity of issues at the intersection of housing (availability, affordability, and distance from workplaces) and workforce distribution. More rigorous data should be collected to support robust reporting on the state of housing for the school education workforce to deliver the type of evidence necessary to develop targeted and tailored interventions to improve outcomes for the workforce and ultimately students.

Individual and Interactive Effects of Housing and Neighborhood Quality on Mental Health in Hong Kong: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Existing literature has widely explored the individual roles of housing and neighborhood quality, and there is limited research examining their interactive effects on mental health. This 3-year cohort study utilized a longitudinal design to investigate the individual and interactive effects of housing and neighborhood quality on mental health among 962 community-dwelling adults in Hong Kong. Participants were asked to rate their residential qualities over the 3-year period. Mental health outcomes, including levels of psychological distress and common mental disorders (CMD), were assessed using the Revised Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS-R). Logistic regression and generalized linear models were used to examine the association between housing and neighborhood quality and CMD/psychological distress, adjusting for sociodemographic and residential characteristics and baseline mental disorders. Housing quality was associated with the 3-year CMD (adjusted OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.91 to 0.98). Likewise, neighborhood quality was associated with CMD over 3 years (adjusted OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.87 to 0.96). In a separate model including both quality measures, the effect of housing quality on CMD was attenuated, whereas the neighborhood impact remained significant (adjusted OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.87 to 0.98). Generalized linear models indicated that for participants residing in substandard housing, those with high neighborhood quality had lower CIS-R scores at follow-up compared to those with low neighborhood quality (p = 0.041). Better neighborhood quality alleviated the detrimental effects of poor housing quality on mental health. Planning for an enhanced neighborhood would improve population mental health in an urban environment.

Bantuan Stimulan Perumahan Swadaya (BSPS) di Desa Pancar Jelobok Kecamatan Pintu Rime Gayo Kabupaten Bener Meriah: Masalah dan Solusi Bantuan Rumah Tidak Layak Huni (RTLH) Bagi Masyarakat Berpenghasilan Rendah (MBR)

Self-help Housing Stimulant Assistance (BSPS) is government assistance for low-income communities to encourage and increase self-help in improving the quality of houses and new construction of houses along with infrastructure, facilities, and public utilities. The problem in this research is that the people of Pancar Jelobok Village still only rely on BSPS program funds. It turns out that these funds are not enough for the construction or repair of their houses. So that the community actually has to try hard to find additional costs to increase costs outside of BSPS funding assistance in the form of self-help money, building materials and self-help labor sources. The purpose of this research is to find out the solution so that the BSPS program can be realized effectively, efficiently and sustainably in Pancar Jelobok Village.

Planning, adaptive reuse, housing quality and health in a post-pandemic England

This article was published open access under a CC BY licence: https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0 .

Housing and the West Cork islands: a national crisis in microcosm

Abstract This article explores the first academic study on the housing crisis on Ireland’s offshore islands through a case study of the experiences and views of islanders on the West Cork islands. The paper covers the risk which the current housing crisis in Ireland represents for the ability of the West Cork islands, already susceptible to depopulation, to retain the next generation of existing inhabitants and attract newcomers. Through a participatory research project conducted between October 2021 and November 2022, the article reveals the challenges facing the West Cork islands in terms of housing affordability, availability and quality, and how these impact on the sustainability of island living. It also documents innovative policies and initiatives that islanders would like policymakers to implement to ensure the housing crisis is addressed and full-time populations on the islands are secured and sustained. The article concludes by reflecting on the recent National Islands Policy 2023–2033 in light of the current study.

Assessing Resident Satisfaction in Subsidized Housing in Indonesia: A case study of FLPP subsidized housing in Bekasi Regency

The Housing Financing Liquidity Facility (FLPP) program in Indonesia is designed to provide subsidized housing to Low-Income Communities (LIC) with the overarching goal of fostering homeownership. However, a burgeoning issue has emerged wherein these subsidized residences either remain unoccupied, are leased out, or undergo ownership transfers within a five-year period post-purchase. This research delves into the examination of resident satisfaction within FLPP-subsidized housing, a pivotal determinant potentially influencing residents’ choices to either continue residing or relocate. A survey encompassing 100 respondents was conducted in Bekasi Regency, a selected locale notable for its disproportionately higher concentration of FLPP-subsidized housing units compared to proximate areas surrounding Jakarta. Employing scoring methodologies for data analysis, our empirical findings reveal divergent levels of satisfaction among residents residing in different FLPP-subsidized housing estates in Bekasi Regency, ultimately reflecting an overarching sense of contentment. Nevertheless, certain facets of concern have surfaced, specifically pertaining to housing quality, accessibility, and public transportation. These specific areas assume critical significance, given their potential implications on housing affordability and overall habitability, thereby warranting targeted policy interventions. This study provides valuable insights into the efficacy of subsidized housing initiatives, shedding light on the determinants impacting resident satisfaction and subsequent housing-related decision-making processes.

Affordability of Owner-Occupied Housing across US Cities

This paper compares the affordability of owner-occupied housing across US cities. We apply a new method for imputing the rental value of owner-occupied housing developed in Diamond and Diamond (2024) that accounts for unobserved house quality. On average, the rental value of owner-occupied housing is 3.2 percent above that implied by standard hedonic methods. Hedonic methods overestimate rental value of owner-occupied housing in the most regulated cities and sharply underestimate it in the least regulated cities. We provide suggestive evidence that this heterogeneity reflects misallocation, where high-quality housing stock cannot be built in the most desirable parts of regulated cities.

Evaluating spatial analysis of tuberculosis prevalence to identify priority districts or municipalities that need policy attention in West Java

Purpose: This study assesses the spatial autocorrelation of tuberculosis (TB) with population density, poverty, personal hygiene and environmental sani- tation (perilaku hidup bersih sehat, PHBS), and housing quality to identify critical areas for targeted TB management in West Java. Methods: This ecological study analyzes secondary data from all TB patients across 27 regencies/cities in West Java Province for 2022. Spatial patterns were examined using the Global Moran's Index and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA). Results: The analysis revealed significant clustering of TB prevalence with population density (p-value = 0.001) and PHBS (p-value = 0.047). At the same time, dispersion was noted with poverty (p-value = 0.355) and a non-significant clustering with housing quality (p-value = 0.270). Notably, ten regencies/cities exhibited significant local spatial autocorrelat- ion, indicating priority areas for intervention. Conclusion: TB prevalence in West Java show a positive spatial correlation with population density and PHBS, indicating clustered patterns that necessitate focused policy attention. The absence of a spatial correlation between poverty and housing quality suggests different intervention strategies may be required. TB intervention should be prioritized in areas like Bekasi Regency, Bekasi City, Bogor Regency, Bogor City, Cianjur Regency, and Depok City, where TB prevalence is significantly associated with key spatial factors.

아파트 품질점검과 범죄예방환경설계의 적용에 관한 연구 - OO시 아파트 단지 3개의 사례분석을 중심으로

The joint housing quality inspection conducted since January 2021 for residential complexes with 300 or more units is an essential aspect of institutional verification aimed at providing residents with a safe and comfortable living environment. This study selectively identified items related to crime prevention environmental design from among the frequently cited 80 items in such inspections, and examined the importance of planning and implementing crime prevention environmental design through application in three selected case studies of residential complexes. The investigation revealed that the current inspection items for joint housing quality inspections lack elements related to crime prevention environmental design, and that some residential complexes surveyed did not meet the standards. Based on these findings, this study derives the following implications: Joint housing quality inspections in South Korea should not only consider the construction and durability of apartments but also expand the scope of inspection items to include various aspects such as surveillance, access control, spatial zoning, usability, clarity, and maintenance and management, including crime prevention environmental design. It is expected that this approach will help ensure the safety and comfort of apartment residents and enhance the safety and stability of urban communities.

Precarious Work and Housing for Michigan Farmworkers During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

ABSTRACT Objectives Farmworkers in Michigan face precarious and exploitative labor conditions that affect their access to affordable, fair, and quality housing, which are key social determinants of health. We sought to assess the health, working conditions, and housing access, affordability, and quality of farmworkers living in and outside of employer-provided housing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted a mixed methods cross-sectional study in collaboration with community partners from the Michigan Farmworker Project and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. We assessed housing, labor conditions, and general health through in-depth phone interviews with seasonal, migrant, and H-2A farmworkers (n = 63) during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021) in Michigan. Descriptive analyses of these data included comparisons by type of farmworker and type of housing (employer-provided or other). Results The majority of farmworkers interviewed were women and seasonal farmworkers and spoke primarily Spanish. A significant share of farmworker participants reported living in poverty (38.3%) and had low or very low food security (27.0%). Nearly half of farmworkers (47.6%) rated their health as “fair” or “poor” during the year prior to the interview, and more than a third reported 3 or more chronic conditions (39.6%) and lack of health insurance coverage (38.7%). Among the 43 workers tested, 25.6% reported testing positive for COVID-19. Farmworkers reported experiences of objectification and dehumanization. Three-quarters of workers reported feeling that they were treated as less than human by supervisors and one-third reported verbal abuse. Farmworkers also experienced challenges exacerbated by their social vulnerability that impeded them from finding affordable, quality housing. Regarding housing quality, the majority of workers (80.6%) reported one or more environmental hazards around their residence, and about a third reported not having air conditioning (33.%) and lacking a functioning washing machine (33.9%). Concerns about the quality of drinking water accessible to workers and exposure to chemicals were shared by participants. Conclusion This study adds valuable knowledge to the understanding of the systemic barriers to housing and work conditions for female and male seasonal, migrant, and H-2A farmworkers in Michigan. Shortcomings in the regulatory and policy environment result in precarious housing and work conditions, including exploitative labor practices. These conditions negate equality, fairness, and health equity, important tenants for public health.

Housing quality and homelessness among people who beg

The poverty literature often overlooks the relationship between housing insecurity and income-generating activities. The often informal sources of income among the homeless strongly connect to other aspects of their lives. Nonetheless, these groups of severely deprived people are often missing from large-scale studies and official statistics. Using an original and comprehensive survey, we document the complex interaction between living conditions and begging, a most visible form of extreme poverty and a central concern for urban planning and social assistance. We interviewed 358 people who were begging between 2021 and 2022 in Brussels. We estimate that approximately 80% of them are Romanian Roma. Our findings suggest that around half of the people who beg sleep rough, while some occupy relatively insecure and low-quality dwellings. Further differences relate to gender and ethnicity, with women and those with children more often seen in emergency accommodations and non-conventional dwellings and Romanian Roma occupying, on average, more problematic housing.

Association Between Household Deprivation and Living in Informal Settlements and Incidence of Diarrhea in Children Under 5 in Eleven Latin American Cities

Diarrhea is a leading cause of death in children globally, mostly due to inadequate sanitary conditions and overcrowding. Poor housing quality and lack of tenure security that characterize informal settlements are key underlying contributors to these risk factors for childhood diarrhea deaths. The objective of this study is to better understand the physical attributes of informal settlement households in Latin American cities that are associated with childhood diarrhea. We used data from a household survey (Encuesta CAF) conducted by the Corporación Andina de Fomento (CAF), using responses from sampled individuals in eleven cities. We created a household deprivation score based on household water and sewage infrastructure, overcrowding, flooring and wall material, and security of tenure. We fitted a multivariable logistic regression model to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) to test the association between the deprivation score and its individual components and childhood diarrhea during the prior 2 weeks. We included a total of 4732 households with children, out of which 12.2% had diarrhea in the 2-week period prior to completing the survey. After adjusting for respondent age, gender, and city, we found a higher risk of diarrhea associated with higher household deprivation scores. Specifically, we found that the odds of diarrhea for children living in a mild and severe deprived household were 1.04 (95% CI 0.84–1.28) and 3.19 times (95% CI 1.80–5.63) higher, respectively, in comparison to households with no deprivation. These results highlight the connections between childhood health and deprived living conditions common in informal settlements.

Ten questions concerning First Nations on-reserve housing in Canada

Indigenous Peoples are the original inhabitants of Turtle Island. In Canada, three distinct groups of Indigenous Peoples are formally recognized: First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. Roughly 40 % of First Nations people with Registered or Treaty Indian status live on-reserve. Relative to the general Canadian population, First Nations living on-reserve are more likely to live in inadequate housing conditions that include significantly higher rates of mold growth and overcrowding, with a higher proportion of existing on-reserve housing stock in need of major repairs. Efforts to improve on-reserve housing conditions must be understood in the context of colonial policies, which have systematically prevented First Nations from obtaining safe, secure, and sustainable housing. This paper aims to describe the range of challenges, concerns, and innovative solutions associated with First Nations on-reserve housing. Ten questions and answers have been presented to characterize the current state of First Nations on-reserve housing in relation to the rest of the Canadian housing stock, including an in-depth comparison of the differences between on-reserve and off-reserve housing. Known factors that result in inadequate on-reserve housing are discussed, as well as a review of various operational and construction-related challenges faced on-reserve, such as community remoteness, a lack of available skilled trades, and mold and moisture issues. Human health and well-being are also discussed as a key outcome of poor housing quality, looking at both physical and mental health in communities, with special attention to the indoor air quality impacts of overcrowding and the presence of mold.

Health effects of holistic housing renovation in a disadvantaged neighbourhood in the Netherlands: a qualitative exploration among residents and professionals

BackgroundHolistic housing renovations combine physical housing improvements with social and socioeconomic interventions (e.g. referral to social services, debt counselling, involvement in decision-making, promoting social cohesion). In a deprived neighbourhood in Utrecht, the Netherlands, this paper examined residents’ and professionals’ experiences, ideas, and perceptions regarding holistic housing renovation, its health effects, and underlying mechanisms explaining those effects.MethodsSemi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 social housing residents exposed to holistic housing renovation, and 12 professionals involved in either the physical renovation or social interventions implemented. Residents were interviewed in various renovation stages (before, during, after renovation). Transcripts were deductively and inductively coded using qualitative software.ResultsResidents experienced and professionals acknowledged renovation stress caused by nuisance from construction work (noise, dust), having to move stuff around, and temporary moving; lack of information and control; and perceived violation of privacy. Involvement in design choices was appreciated, and mental health improvement was expected on the long term due to improved housing quality and visual amenity benefits. Social contact between residents increased as the renovation became topic for small talk. Few comments were made regarding physical health effects. The interviews revealed a certain amount of distrust in and dissatisfaction with the housing corporation, construction company, and other authorities.ConclusionsRenovation stress, aggravated by lack of information and poor accessibility of housing corporation and construction company, negatively affects mental health and sense of control. Potential stress relievers are practical help with packing and moving furniture, and increased predictability by good and targeted communication. Social interventions can best be offered after renovation, when residents live in their renovated apartment and the nuisance and stress from the renovation is behind them. Social partners can use the period leading up to the renovation to show their faces, offer practical help to reduce renovation stress, and increase residents’ trust in their organization and authorities in general. This might also contribute to residents’ willingness to accept help with problems in the social domain after renovation.

Household Environments and Functional Decline Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China: Variations by Gender, Age, and Residence.

This study examined the associations between household social, economic, and physical environments and the trajectory of functional limitations over time among middle-aged and older adults in China, and how this relationship differs by gender, age, and residence. Linear growth curve models were applied to a sample of 13,564 respondents aged 45 years and older from four waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2011-2018). Living alone, particularly for rural, female, and older respondents, was associated with a faster functional decline when compared to living with a spouse and without children. Improved housing quality was associated with a slower functional decline. Living with young descendants and without adult children for urban residents and a lower expenditure per capita for younger respondents were associated with a faster functional decline. These findings suggest that policies aimed at enhancing living conditions have the potential to improve physical functioning of older adults.

Perturbation of Residential Preferences by COVID-19 Shocks in the Greater Toronto Area

This research investigates the immediate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on residential preferences in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada, using a stated preference (SP) survey dataset. The study examines changes in relocation preferences and trends in the GTA after the Ontario government lifted the initial lockdown. The obtained choice data is then modeled using a mixed cross-nested logit model to find substitution patterns across regions and dwelling types, as well as explore residents’ preferences for different dwelling characteristics and the accessibility of their residence, including factors such as telecommuting options. The results reveal that the pandemic caused short-term residential dissonance, with residents tending to want to move to lower-density areas to relocate to their preferred dwelling type, emphasizing telecommuting as a key factor influencing residential relocation preferences. Housing qualities were prioritized over accessibility. The study also found heterogeneous behavior among GTA residents with regard to telecommuting as a factor in residential relocation. The study’s findings are relevant for planners and policymakers in anticipating the potential long-term pandemic-induced home relocation decisions and their impact on future household travel behavior, particularly with regard to telecommuting and accessibility.

Tracking and tracing water consumption for informed water sensitive intervention through machine learning approach

To develop a water conscious strategy, it is critical to track and trace water from its source to the end users, understand water conservation behaviors, and identify the factors that influence water consumption. However, in developing nations, little research has been done to provide a quantitative picture of how water is consumed and transformed in urban households, as well as the water sensitive interventions needed to improve access to clean water. Hence, the main objective of the study was to determine the most significant residential water consumption variables and to predict residential water consumption in a way that can generate water consumption information for water sensitive intervention decision making using the case study of Adama city in Ethiopia. A combination of top down and bottom up data collection techniques were employed as the data collection instrument. Machine learning was integrated with spatial and socioeconomic analytic techniques to estimate daily household water consumption and identify the factors that significantly influence household water consumption. The results show that there is only “one source option” for the city’s clean water supply and that different water harvesting methods are not likely to be developed. The average daily water consumption per person is 69 liters which falls below the national standard of 80 liters allocated per person per day. The result reveals that the water distribution network covers only 45% of the city master plan. About 38% of the water demand is unmet and 30% of households only receive water once every three days or fewer. This shows that the city is experiencing physical and economic water scarcity. The results demonstrated that family size, housing quality, income, number of rooms, legal status of the parcel, supply reliability, climate, and topographical features are the most important factors in predicting residential water consumption. This study further demonstrates how well supervised machine learning models, such as the Random Forest Regression algorithm, can predict the household’s daily water consumption. The findings also showed that there is a need for significant improvements in water saving habits of the households. Another conclusion that can be drawn is that as long as the city’s business as usual water consumption practice doesn’t change, the water supply problem will worsen over time.

Effect of housing construction material on childhood acute respiratory infection: a hospital based case control study in Bangladesh

Despite several studies conducted to investigate housing factors, the effects of housing construction materials on childhood ARI symptoms in Bangladesh remain unclear. Hence, the study aimed to measure such a correlation among children under the age of five. A hospital-based case–control study was conducted, involving 221 cases and 221 controls from January to April 2023. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression was performed to measure the degree of correlation between housing construction materials and childhood ARI symptoms. Households composed of natural floor materials had 2.7 times (95% confidence interval 1.27–5.57) and households composed of natural roof materials had 1.8 times (95% confidence interval 1.01–3.11) higher adjusted odds of having under-five children with ARI symptoms than household composed of the finished floor and finished roof materials respectively. Households with natural wall type were found protective against ARI symptoms with adjusted indoor air pollution determinants. The study indicates that poor housing construction materials are associated with an increased risk of developing ARI symptoms among under-five children in Bangladesh. National policy regarding replacing poor housing materials with concrete, increasing livelihood opportunities, and behavioral strategies programs encouraging to choice of quality housing construction materials could eliminate a fraction of the ARI burden.

Association between Hometown Landholdings and Housing Quality of Rural Migrants in Urban Areas: Evidence from China

Urbanization progress in developing countries is reflected in the urban living conditions of their rural migrants. Housing quality, in particular, is linked to migrants’ social integration and development of human capital. In China, where urban housing is highly stratified by urban citizenship via the “hukou” or household registration system, improving housing quality is a top priority for the central government in its pursuit of human-centered urbanization. Despite some social and economic elements affecting migrants’ housing quality being documented, few studies have analyzed the determinants of rural migrants’ housing quality from the perspective of rural landholdings or possession of use rights of rural lands, which is endowed by the land system of China. Using large micro-data from the China Migrant Dynamic Survey (CMDS), this study investigates the association between hometown landholdings and rural migrants’ housing quality in their host cities. The empirical results suggest that possessing rural landholdings in their hometown is negatively correlated with rural migrants’ housing quality in their host cities, wherein rural migrants’ hukou transfer intention is found as an intermediary factor. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of the relationship across demographic characteristics and regions was investigated. In addition, short-term revenue derived from hometown landholdings is also verified to have a very limited positive effect on migrants’ housing quality. Land transfer policies customized for subgroups of rural migrants across sociological attributes and urban stratification are concluded finally.

Compact Housing for Incremental Growth: The K206 RDP Project in Alexandra, Johannesburg

The South African Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) was initiated to provide subsidised housing for low-income families. However, the programme faced challenges in establishing adequate technical guidelines and standards, resulting in subpar housing quality. This article discusses the multifaceted nature of subsidised housing design, emphasising the importance of incorporating technical housing standards as well as the spatial needs of residents based on their context (at both domestic and neighbourhood scales). The article focuses on the K206 housing RDP project in Alexandra, Johannesburg, as a case study that transitioned from generic technical standards to a resident-responsive design scheme that was inspired by the backyard room incremental expansions that were already prevalent in the Alexandra context. A critical review of South Africa’s RDP housing design technical standards and policy is explored. The article also examines the density standards and allowances for incremental expansions introduced by the K206 project, analysing data derived from fieldwork observations, interviews, and the spatial analysis of 26 dwelling units. The study’s findings underscore the significance of maintaining an equilibrium between technical standards and resident-responsive design decisions. The results demonstrate that tailoring the RDP housing design solutions to unique contextual needs can significantly elevate the quality of life of residents concerning income generation and flexibility for incremental expansion. However, this balance is delicate and disparities between the RDP technical standards and user-initiated development over time also have the potential to ultimately impair residents’ living spaces.