Housing Maintenance Research Articles

The (Im)Material Home: Exploring Older Migrants' Home Experiences Situated within Material and Immaterial Settings of Home. An Exploratory Study in Belgium.

The older population is diversifying. Extensive research has shown the preference of older adults to age in place. Recent research shows that older migrants also prefer to age in place. However, not much is known about their reasons for doing so. Therefore, this paper focuses on older migrants who are ageing in placee andexplores theirhome experiences both in the material and immaterial setting of home. In-depth interviews using photo-elicitation with older migrants (n = 23) from Limburg, Belgium were conducted. The results depart from older migrants' strong wish to age in place, which can be explained by the sense of familiarity the long-inhabited dwelling and neighbourhood provide, which concerns both a material and immaterial setting. However, the material setting of home can become a threat to ageing in place, as the interviews reveal, through physical obstacles and housing maintenance. Furthermore, the immaterial setting of home also comes into play as participants referred to their ethnic identity in discussing home experiences. The results further discuss the interrelatedness of material and immaterial settings of home. Interestingly, migration background did not always appear as relevant variable in older migrants home experiences. Instead, participants' interviews were more often imbued with age-related narratives. This shows the shifting influence of diverse variables (e.g. age, migration, gender), highlighting the importance of adopting an intersectional lens. Moreover, the results point to the dynamic nature of participants' sense of home, both in terms of 'age' (e.g. changing needs) and 'migration' (e.g. changing ethnic identity).

Regulation and Organisation of Housing Management Activities in Germany, Poland and Latvia

Abstract Multi-dwelling buildings are one of the essential infrastructural elements of a residential area. Therefore, qualitative and professional management of such real estate is of importance. The insufficient investment into maintenance and improvement of housing is stated in Latvian policy planning documents as one of the most significant problems, causing risks for achieving the goal of compliance of the housing fund with energy efficiency, construction, safety and amenity standards. The article examines the main aspects of management of residential buildings, identifies the related risks and offers solutions for their prevention. The article aims at emphasising the significance of building maintenance and exploring management processes of residential buildings in Latvia, Poland and Germany, making a comparison that helps to understand the housing management regulation and organisational approach in each country and identify their common and differing features. In the course of the research, the authors of the article review the sources on management activities of residential buildings, identify and assess the management process risks and make a comparative analysis of housing management processes in Latvia, Poland and Germany. Information regarding the housing management field of the countries examined in the article has been obtained by summarising and analysing the policy documents and regulatory enactments, as well as by interviewing Latvian, Polish and German experts. When analysing the obtained results, conclusions have been made with regards to political responsibility, legal regulation and professional competence requirements in the field of housing management.

Activity Performance Priorities for Adults Experiencing Homelessness: Insights from Management and Staff at a Transitional Housing Facility.

For people experiencing homelessness (PEH), the provision of affordable housing has been recognized as the most crucial intervention for improving housing stability and facilitating substance abuse treatment. However, evidence indicates that providing housing does not significantly improve substance abuse, mental health, or physical health outcomes. Optimal participation in essential daily activities has been shown to improve health outcomes and support independent living, but there is limited research that identifies activity performance priorities among PEH living in transitional housing. The present study investigates activity performance priorities using the focus group methodology. Management and staff from a transitional housing facility participated in a focus group discussion (90 min) and a follow-up (member checking) session (75 min), to deliberate on this topic. Emerging priorities for activity performance include activities of daily living [personal hygiene]; instrumental activities of daily living [house maintenance, meal preparation, and transportation]; health management [mental health, physical health, medical appointments]; social participation [building healthy relationships]; work [seeking and/or maintaining]; sleep; and leisure [recreational] activities. Community members and other stakeholders can support PEH in transitional housing by facilitating participation in these activities, and researchers should evaluate the effects of specific activity-focused interventions on health.

A systematic assessment of low-carbon energy consumption by an integrated approach in rural China

Many studies highlight the challenges of applying urban-based low-carbon assessment frameworks to rural energy consumption, emphasizing the need for a method suitable for rural conditions. This study aims to develop a systematic methodology suitable for low-carbon assessment of rural energy consumption in China. The proposed methodology was tested on 24,116 rural households across 124 villages in central and western China. Results indicate that it successfully overcomes limitations in current assessments, namely limited relevance, poor applicability, and inadequate policy alignment. The methodology is capable of adapting to the lack of basic data on rural energy and the inadequate statistics on rural energy consumption. The findings of this assessment reveal that energy structure (i.e., energy sources) is the main contributor to rural carbon emissions, followed by household economic conditions, rural house maintenance structure, and the awareness levels of farmers. These factors have a dramatic impact on the transition to low-carbon energy consumption in rural China.

Factors affecting collective action in low-cost housing, Malaysia: commoning the governance

PurposeThis paper aims to explain the factors shaping collective action within low-cost housing communities, focusing on parcel holders, through the utilisation of an expanded institutional analysis development (IAD) framework, which extends upon Ostrom’s foundational framework. Additionally, the paper explores four different property management approaches accessible to these communities.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed a mixed-method approach comprising four sequential steps. Firstly, a quantitative inquiry entailed a questionnaire survey administered to 633 parcel holders across four low-cost housing schemes, aimed at discerning factors influencing collective action. Subsequently, a qualitative investigation involved face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders to elucidate the contributing factors of collective action, with a specific focus on Nursa Kurnia (a successful low-cost housing scheme comprising 200 units), accessible via Kuala Lumpur Middle Ring Road II. Thirdly, the study explored the social practice of “commoning the governance”. Lastly, the paper advocated for housing policy interventions, specifically proposing government subsidies for lower-income parcel holders.FindingsExemplified by the success of Nursa Kurnia, the research findings emphasised the importance of shifting local management’s mindset from a zero-sum approach to a win-win perspective. It highlighted the pivotal role of four factors (resource system, governance system, context and historical development) in shaping collective action and fostering improved property management practices. Moreover, the study highlighted the potential of “commoning the governance” as a new approach capable of addressing collective action challenges in low-cost housing management, presenting a promising avenue for future endeavours.Research limitations/implicationsAs more studies utilising the expanded IAD framework become available in the future, there is potential for further refinement and enhancement of the framework.Practical implicationsThis study offers valuable insights for policymakers, property developers, local management and local communities, shedding light on challenges associated with the self-organisation of shared resources. Moreover, it highlights the potential of “commoning the governance” as a new property management approach to mitigate the impact of collective action problems.Social implicationsThe well-being of society’s most vulnerable segment is indicative of the overall societal health. This underscores the significance of addressing the interests and needs of these lower-income groups within the broader social context.Originality/valueExploring collective action within the context of self-organising low-cost housing, the study delves into an area marked by persistent challenges like free-riding tendencies and vandalism. Despite significant attention given to collective action issues in the past, the novel approach of “commoning the governance” remains unexamined in the realm of low-cost housing maintenance and management.

Caretaker of a collection

Abstract When re-assessing women’s roles in the art world, we should not neglect traditional, perhaps stereotypical, functions. Jo van Bilderbeek-Lamaison (1849–1951) exemplifies the importance of caretaking: after her husband’s death in 1918, she played a crucial role in caring for their art collection and bequeathing it to the state. She lived in a Dordrecht house museum (the Rijksmuseum Van Bilderbeek-Lamaison, not publicly accessible), carefully exercising her responsibility ‘in her husband’s spirit’ in house maintenance, loans of artworks, and art preservation – a challenge given the fuel crisis in the 1930s and 1940s. This case study sheds light on women’s role in the art world around 1900 from the perspective of separate public/private spheres and the associated distinction between productive labour and reproductive/caring labour. The case suggests that caring labour is not be limited to care for people, but can include care for objects, such as an art collection in a house museum.

Understanding and Addressing Non-Payment of Housing Maintenance Fees in Klang Valley: Challenges and Solutions

Housing maintenance fees are essential to maintaining the standard and operation of residential communities. However, non-payment issues present serious problems to the Joint Management Body (JMB) and residents due to various issues related to maintenance are delaying to be solved. Thus, this study objectively assesses the role and relationship of JMB with the respondents toward residents’ commitment and support in making payments for housing maintenance. A quantitative approach through a survey questionnaire was distributed among 31 respondents of high-rise buildings in Klang Valley for a pilot study. Four (4) independent variables were involved: the role of JMB, the relationship between residents and JMB, facilities provided, and safety and security towards the dependent variable of resident’s commitment and support. The findings show that most respondents agree that any problems related to the housing unit should be consulted with JMB and residents should get permission from JMB before proceeding with any necessary action. This study is expected to benefit JMB and residents in ensuring a sustainable harmonious housing environment in the high-rise buildings and thus contribute to the achievement of SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Examining Energy Poverty among Vulnerable Women-Led Households in Urban Housing before and after COVID-19 Lockdown: A Case Study from a Neighbourhood in Madrid, Spain

People with lower incomes often live in homes with poor thermal properties, making it difficult for them to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. This vulnerability is closely related to the quality and maintenance of housing, which negatively affects indoor environmental comfort, especially in terms of energy usage, having an impact on health and well-being. Studying energy poverty from a qualitative perspective allows us to delve deeper into the experience of these people. A qualitative study was carried out through a case study of women in a situation of household vulnerability and energy poverty. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five women-led households and two key informants before and after the COVID-19 confinement, in one of the most vulnerable neighbourhoods of Madrid. Unveiling the complexity of this topic, three categories were identified: household composition and economic resources, perception and proposals for household improvements, and household health and well-being. Furthermore, the results suggest that reliance on inefficient solutions such as electric radiators or butane-cylinder heaters for space heating in winter (more affordable in the short term, but unsustainable in the long one) shows evidence of energy precariousness, which, together with other poor housing conditions and users’ behaviours, impact clearly on health, generating or worsening chronic diseases. Research in vulnerable populations requires interventions beyond visibility, supported by key informants. Social workers and educators are essential to improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable people; however, they need social policies and adequate intervention plans and strategies to support and make their efforts effective.

Collective action success factors and community satisfaction in Malaysia’s urban commons

This study examines maintenance and management in socio-economically grounded multi-owned low-cost housing schemes in Malaysia, employing an augmented institutional analysis framework. Focusing on collective action success factors, the research addresses two main questions: ‘How does the influence of the six collective action success factors impact community satisfaction?’ and ‘To what extent does the income of parcel holders contribute to the success factors affecting community satisfaction within collective action?’ Combining quantitative and qualitative methods, this study encompasses a survey of 633 parcel holders in Greater Kuala Lumpur and subsequent interviews with local leadership. Successful self-management of common properties was influenced by the physical environment, social capital, rules-in-use, stakeholders’ interest, adaptation, and racial relationships. Additionally, income acted as a moderator between community satisfaction level and physical environment attributes, as well as stakeholders’ interests. This research recommends government subsidies for multi-owned low-cost housing maintenance, contributing policy insights to the global housing discourse.

Housing, COVID & Climate: Urban Social Housing Post-COVID Climate Change Mitigation and Redress

This short paper, draws on 40 years of research and advisory work, rather than a single, short-term, finite research project. It examines recent and current examples of urban housing policies, programmes and projects in a wide range of countries in both the Global North and South in its aim order to meet its aim to stimulate and contribute to the search for strategic approaches to the production, maintenance and management of urban low-income group housing; it examines the historical, geographic, cultural/political and economic contexts within which they are set, laying some emphasis on the prevailing existential threats to humanity caused by: (1) global heating, and (2) the pandemic pervasiveness of viral pathogen transmissions and their social, economic and legislative impact on physical settlement planning and management. Emphasis is given to distinguishing between ‘public housing’, for which all governing decisions are unilaterally made by relevant state agencies and institutions, and ‘social housing’, in which non-governmental beneficiary households and enterprises, communities and organisations are engaged in risk- and benefit-sharing partnership with responsible state agencies at all levels of the governance and management of affordable and accessible urban housing. The paper concludes by drawing attention to the urgency of need to build the capability of the extensive range of actors and stake-holders, worldwide and calling for the initiation and dissemination of successful policy approaches and their administration.

Modern Technologies for Effective Communication between Apartment Owners and Apartment Building Managers in Latvia

As in other sectors of the economy, the construction and operation of buildings are becoming increasingly technologically advanced. Different digital tools are used not only for design and construction planning but also for faster and more efficient communication in housing maintenance and management processes. These technologies can significantly speed up the flow of information, save time and money, and optimize decision-making. This way, the most sustainable solutions are chosen, which not only saves money but can also increase the value of the property. The aim of the study is to identify and analyze the problems and their causes in the communication between apartment building managers and apartment owners, as well as to provide recommendations for their elimination using modern technologies. In order to achieve the objective of the study, the following tasks were carried out: 1) to analyze the statistics, technical and legal aspects of the Latvian housing stock, 2) to assess the situation in the cooperation and communication of apartment owners with the manager, 3) to study and evaluate the use of the largest and most frequently used digital platforms in management activities. The analysis of the technical and legal aspects is based on the monographic or descriptive method and the analysis of secondary data. In order to find out the current situation and identify the main communication problems, the authors have carried out a survey of apartment dwellers. The study found that the most significant problems in managing apartment buildings are related to a lack of information among apartment owners, which contributes to confusion, disinterest, passivity, or conflict. Sometimes you may also encounter incompetence on the part of the manager. Problems are often caused by communication gaps between apartment owners and building managers, or even a lack of communication. With the communication that modern technology can provide, apartment owners and managers can work together effectively to address issues in an environment of understanding and mutual trust.

Training & Community Involvement for Remote Housing Projects in Australia Northern Territory

Abstract—Construction of houses in remote communities faces a range of challenges, many of which would be reduced by the involvement of local community members during the construction. Remote housing demand is high and under-resourcing in existing houses impacts on the health of the occupants. This research investigates and evaluates ways to improve community engagement in remote housing projects. Builders with experience delivering remote housing projects were asked to provide insight relating to the potential training and involvement of community members during construction. It was found that builders have major challenges with work ethics, poor numeracy and literacy and language barrier in remote areas which hinder community engagement in remote projects. Some building techniques such as slab on ground and steel wall framing were found more effective for community engagement. Results also show that training of community members could be improved by setting benchmark goals to be achieved throughout a project. This means there is an opportunity for housing projects in remote communities to improve on essential training and employment through better involvement of local community members during construction, in turn this will lead to better maintenance and understanding of houses.

Mud brick houses as a suitable alternative to emergency shelters for internally displaced persons (IDPs): evidence from Northern Syria

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the feasibility of mud brick houses as an alternative to the more widely adopted emergency shelters used in war-torn Syria. It focuses on the mud houses’ sustainability, cost effectiveness, cultural preference, income generation and security. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative research approach to a single case study. Interviews were conducted with field experts from the Qatar Red Crescent Society and members of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) community living in mud brick houses. Findings The findings reveal that the utilisation of mud houses is a good alternative in relief efforts. The houses are sustainable and cost-effective, take into consideration cultural dynamics and provide economic empowerment to IDPs. However, the maintenance of mud brick houses turns out to be the largest flaw, and this problem requires further research. Originality/value The paper highlights the inefficiency of current emergency sheltering practices in Syria and reveals that tents are not a preferred mode of shelter. It further sheds light on a unique case study in which mud houses were used by an aid and development organisation, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. This paper contributes to practical discussion and ideation on more appropriate housing for IDPs.

USA EXPERIENCE REGARDING THE REINTEGRATION OF WAR VETERANS INTO CIVILIAN LIFE

The article summarizes the experience of the United States regarding the reintegration of veterans into civilian life, namely: the peculiarities of regulatory and legal regulation and the main directions of veteran policy. It was established that the American legislation uses two terms –«veteran» and «active military serviceman», while in Ukraine – «combatant», «military serviceman», «war veteran», «war participant». The American practice of military reintegration into civilian life involves mandatory participation in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The main directions of military reintegration into civilian life in the USA, which are under the competence of the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor, are: social adaptation; psychological support; professional retraining; support with housing. Social adaptation includes social communication, social support and formation of new social skills. Psychological support includes specialized support and treatment. Professional retraining of veterans is the acquisition of new professional qualifications through the acquisition of additional education or skills. Support with housing includes providing a loan for the purchase of housing, maintenance and adaptation of houses to new requirements in case of disability.It has been established that the USA is a country where «military social work» was formed, which is understood as a specialized practice of social work that provides support to military personnel, war veterans and their family members. Military social workers provide a range of services (counseling, crisis intervention, supervision), conduct training and coaching, and organize presentations of special client health support events to colleagues at all levels. Regarding the provision of social benefits, the USA has an exclusive approach to veterans policy – welfare programs for veterans operate separately from programs for the general population. The current system of benefits for veterans in the United States is complex.

Analisis Pemanfaatan Kredit Oleh Pelaku Usaha UMKM Di Kota Atambua Kabupaten Belu

This research aims to determine the use of credit by micro business actors in Atambua City who use loan funds from BNI46 Bank, as well as to find out the reasons why business actors take credit from BNI46 Bank. The data used in this research is primary and secondary data, which is then analyzed using qualitative descriptive methods. The data collection techniques used in this research are: interviews, observations and documents. The object of this research is the use of credit by micro and small businesses in Atambua City, located around the center of Atambua city. These utilization interests are divided into two interests, namely for production and consumption purposes. First, for the purposes of fulfilling and expanding business capital for trading, a means to make business activities smoother and business performance better than before, expanding business and work opportunities. Second, for consumption needs, which includes personal consumption needs such as paying children's school fees, house rental costs, as well as house maintenance costs and daily living costs.

Public Law Regulations on Household-Increasing Remodeling Projects

The public law regulations for remodeling projects were introduced to improve residential environments through the development and maintenance of multi-family housing, and to prevent low-quality reconstruction projects. Remodeling projects were initially focused on preserving and managing multi-family housing, and so did the “household-increasing remodeling,” which was introduced to activate remodeling projects. Notwithstanding, nowadays, household-increasing remodeling projects are more akin to reconstruction projects because they involve the reconstruction of new apartments and, simultaneously, a comprehensive reconstruction of housing complexes. Despite similarities, remodeling projects are governed by the Housing Act and subject to weaker public law regulations, while reconstruction projects are governed by the Act on the Improvement of Urban Areas and Residential Environments and subject to stronger regulations. To initiate a household-increasing remodeling project for increasing household numbers by 30 or more, it is necessary to secure project plan “approval”; if the household number increase is less than 30, it is necessary to secure a “permission”. The “permission” relates to building management activities, whereas an “approval” involves a comprehensive assessment of the residential area in light of urban planning. Remodeling projects are also examined differently based on whether they affect the entire housing complex. Still, distinguishing the procedure for project initiation based on the increase in household numbers may not be rational and can lead to regulatory arbitrage. Traditionally, remodeling projects involved minimal changes in property ownership because the residents came back to their remodeled houses. This led to less attention being given to post-project rights, and although the Housing Act mandates the establishment of a “plan to alter rights” for household-increasing remodeling projects, it fails to establish the details. As household-increasing remodeling projects are becoming more similar to reconstruction projects, the uncertainty has intensified regarding resident rights assignment. These uncertainties can lead to disputes among residents regarding the content of plans to alter rights. Currently, there is a need for more detailed legal regulations to enable the reasonable assignment of rights among residents regarding newly constructed buildings and their land. This can foster efficiency in the use of these buildings and land in remodeling projects.

Frequency of Physical Activity in Acute or Chronic Smoker among General Population of Karachi - A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: This research aims to evaluate the frequency of physical activity among acute or chronic smokers in Karachi's general population, recognizing the reciprocal influence between smoking and physical activity on overall health. Assessing exercise frequency among smokers is crucial, considering the commonly observed association between smoking and declining bodily functions, making it pivotal for comprehensive health assessment. Methods: In this study, a cross-sectional survey involved 316 healthy adults aged 15-69 years, utilizing convenience sampling is used for diverse demographic representation. Data on demographic details, smoking status, and physical activity levels were collected through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The subsequent analysis, conducted using SPSS version 0.22, aimed to scrutinize the impact of smoking on participants' physical activity. Results: Among the participants, a majority (76.9%) held jobs with varying physical activity levels. For transportation, nearly all employed modes showed varying physical activity intensities, with 59.8% reporting low, 25.3% moderate, and 14.9% vigorous activity levels. Engagement in household chores and family care displayed diverse physical activity levels: 66.5% reported low, 24.1% moderate, and 9.1% vigorous activities. Similar trends were observed for house maintenance and family care, with 69.0% reporting low, 14.6% moderate, and 16.5% vigorous activities. Conclusion: The study indicates that smokers participate in physical activity less frequently, underscoring the need for heightened attention to their exercise habits. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring health strategies for smokers and examining lifestyle factors influencing their physical well-being. Keywords: Physical Activity, METs, Smoking, Well-being.

지원주택 거주 후 입주자 삶의 질 변화 연구

Housing stability of vulnerable population has been worsen following to social inequality and increase of the poor because of the social polarization problem. Supported housing which offers both housing and services to vulnerable population based on the Housing-First policy has been provided in Korea. Specifically Korean supported housing included the special types of residents such as the old, the disabled, homeless, and the mental disorder who need physical and mental helps. Evermore it provided them the physical living place and the housing maintenance services for helping them to live independently. Although total 673 supported housing have been provided from 2018, the study area about supported housing would like to be narrow and restrictive; the effect of supported housing policy was little explored and few study focused on the residential types of supported housing. It is requested to analyze how suitable the purposes of supported housing for quantitative expansion of supported housing, policy’s sustainability, and improvement of residents’ life quality. Therefore, this study would like to comprehend the characteristics of residents’ life changes, to derive an insufficient point, and to suggest a proposal. The target interviewees were the supervisors for all types of supported housing residents.

Исторические этапы и модели общественного управления граждан по месту жительства в России (1914–1937 гг.)

The article examines the historical types of public self-government of citizens at the place of residence, which developed in the first half of the XX century in our country. In the process of development of territorial self-government, two periods are distinguished: from 1914 to 1921 and from 1921 to 1937. The first of them is characterized by a model of self-organization of residents, which was implemented in house committees and new social movements of workers. The created structures did not deal with policy issues, they were responsible for the problems of regulating the relationship between the owner and the tenant, exploiting tenants’ joint prop-erty, assistance to city self-government in the implementation of municipal tasks and, in some periods, the dis-tribution of ration cards among members. The model of residents’ self-governance emphasized in the second phase was represented by housing associations and various public committees. They remained in charge of the maintenance and operation of houses with maximum involvement of citizens in the process of control and management of the housing.

소규모주택정비사업의 활성화 방안에 관한 연구

As the industry developed and the need for housing increased due to population growth, the housing shortage was solved by constructing houses centered on large-scale apartments. Most of the supply of housing for the common people was achieved by small and medium-sized construction companies building multi-generational and multi-family houses such as villas, which are small houses. It was distributed. The small houses distributed in this way are deteriorating and left empty, damaging the scenery of residential areas, and there are also cases where they are abused as a place for youth to escape. To solve these problems, the government is also recommending the redevelopment and reconstruction of housing. However, the current reconstruction and redevelopment is being carried out focusing on large-scale complexes that can generate a lot of profit based on business feasibility, which makes it difficult for indigenous people to settle down and often turns into a stage for speculators. Therefore, the government in 2018 said, The “Special Act on the Maintenance of Vacant Houses and Small Houses” was implemented to play a role in improving the quality of residential life by stipulating matters and special provisions necessary to efficiently renovate vacant houses and revitalize the maintenance of small houses. However, to date, the improvement of small houses or empty houses has not been promoted as intended by this law. The small house improvement project has the advantage of speeding up implementation by simplifying the project implementation procedures, but there are difficulties in implementing the project in the field. In particular, it is not uncommon for projects to not proceed smoothly due to issues such as the composition of a council before establishing a cooperative and the dispute resolution process between residents who consented without knowing during the process of obtaining consent from residents and residents who expressed their opinion to cancel consent after consenting. It's happening. There is also the problem that it is difficult to make a profit for the developer due to the small size of the complex. Therefore, there are difficulties in selecting a business operator, which is the starting stage of the business. There are some areas where it is difficult to proceed with the project due to difficulties in establishing a cooperative.
 When reorganizing a city, the climate is changed to one in which development is carried out through small-scale housing redevelopment that harmonizes with nature and the environment rather than large-scale redevelopment, so that urban development is not a feast for speculator, but rather the original local residents do not leave and the residential environment is improved. I hope that this will change the perception that urban maintenance is carried out as a result.