Rental Housing Research Articles

Uncovering neighborhood-level portfolios of corporate single-family rental holdings and community wealth loss

ABSTRACT The rise of corporate investors in the single-family rental (SFR) housing market has raised concerns about impacts on American home equity and wealth, particularly in markets like Atlanta, Georgia, a prime target for these businesses. This study introduces a novel framework that analyzes corporate SFR business activities—home purchase, rental, and sale—to assess their community-level wealth impacts. First, we test our core assumption that corporations have unique bargaining power over individuals in the market. Our hedonic regressions show that corporate investors purchase single-family properties for less and sell for more, when transacting with an individual buyer or seller, compared to individual-to-individual transactions. We then apply our framework, using Atlanta as a case study, to investigate the community wealth impacts of corporate SFR investors. We uncover that the City of Atlanta lost $1.25 billion (2022 dollars) between 2011 and 2021, with predominantly African American neighborhoods bearing more than half of the total loss. The most affected neighborhood suffered a loss proportional to nearly 4% of the total income generated by all of its households. This research has critical implications for those seeking place-based interventions by understanding past, present, and future impacts of corporate SFR investment activities on local housing equity and neighborhood wealth.

Factors Affecting Domestic Electricity Usage with Reference to Colombo, Gampaha, and Rathnapura Districts, Sri Lanka

Currently, Sri Lanka is facing a major economic crisis. In the face of this economic crisis, it is clear that the government has failed to provide the necessary facilities for individuals to carry out their daily activities properly. It has become a challenge for the institutions as well as the industrial sector to carry out their work in an atomic manner through the daily electricity disruptions. Due to the inefficiency of electricity consumption in Sri Lanka, the amount of electricity wasted annually is very high. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find factors affecting electricity consumption in domestic applications in order to reduce the wastage of electricity. For achieving the objective, three cities of Colombo, Gampaha, and Rathnapura were selected using the cluster sampling method. Accordingly, the total sample was 75. A questionnaire and interview methods were used to collect data. Principal Component Analysis and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis were used for the data analysis. The findings revealed that the number of family members, the size of the house, the income, the use of Florence bulbs, living in a rented house, and the use of electrical appliances contribute to the increase in household electricity consumption. Considering those factors that are affecting domestic electricity consumption, the government, focusing on sustaining electricity consumption and providing necessary facilities to consumers, should take necessary steps.

Smart Renting: Harnessing Urban Data with Statistical and Machine Learning Methods for Predicting Property Rental Prices from a Tenant’s Perspective

The real estate market plays a pivotal role in most nations’ economy, showcasing continuous growth. Particularly noteworthy is the rapid expansion of the digital real estate sector, marked by innovations like 3D visualization and streamlined online contractual processes, a momentum further accelerated by the aftermath of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Amidst this transformative landscape, artificial intelligence emerges as a vital force, addressing consumer needs by harnessing data analytics for predicting and monitoring rental prices. While studies have demonstrated the efficacy of machine learning (ML) algorithms such as decision trees and neural networks in predicting house prices, there is a lack of research specifically focused on rental property prices, a significant sector in Brazil due to the prohibitive costs associated with property acquisition. This study fills this crucial gap by delving into the intricacies of rental pricing, using data from the city of São Carlos-SP, Brazil. The research aims to analyze, model, and predict rental prices, employing an approach that incorporates diverse ML models. Through this analysis, our work showcases the potential of ML algorithms in accurately predicting rental house prices. Moreover, it envisions the practical application of this research with the development of a user-friendly website. This platform could revolutionize the renting experience, empowering both tenants and real estate agencies with the ability to estimate rental values based on specific property attributes and have access to its statistics.

Determinants of Under-Immunization Among Children Between 0 and 59 Months in Buea Municipality, South Western Cameroon: Implications for National Immunization Campaign

Introduction: Under-immunization remains a major global public health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 20 million children globally are not fully vaccinated, with more than half of these children residing in Africa. African countries including Cameroon face unique challenges in achieving high vaccination coverage. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of under-immunization among children aged 0–59 months in Buea, Cameroon to contribute to effective national immunization policy. Methods: This cross-sectional study used the World Health Organization Behavioural and Social Determinants of vaccination tool to collect data from 438 caregivers of children aged 0–59 months in the city of Buea. Data were collected on socio-demographics, immunization factors, and health system variables for the study cohort. Results: It was found that 25.11% of children in urban Buea were under-immunized. Children in Buea Town were three times more likely to be under-immunized than those in Molyko (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.3–7.3, p = 0.013). Children of separated caregivers were 0.2 times less likely to be under-immunized than those of widowed caregivers (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.9, p = 0.036). Children whose caregivers did not receive unsolicited advice were 2.1 times more likely to be under-immunized (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2–3.4, p = 0.006). Children living less than 1 mile from health facilities were 2.9 times more likely to be under-immunized than those living more than 10 miles away (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.1–7.5, p = 0.030). Children of caregivers employed in the private sector were 4.3 times more likely to be under-immunized compared to those of unemployed caregivers (AOR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.1–16.2, p = 0.031). Children in non-owned/non-rented houses were 0.3 times less likely to be under-immunized compared to those in rented houses (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–0.9, p = 0.030). Children whose caregivers did not discuss vaccination concerns with healthcare workers were 0.6 times less likely to have under-immunized children (COR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.3–0.9, p = 0.020). Conclusions: It was concluded that under-immunization is a significant public health problem in the city of Buea. Interventions that target the quality of services, community engagement, and the unique challenges faced by different caregiver groups, are needed.

Latent Class Analysis of Discrimination and Social Capital in Korean Public Rental Housing Communities

Latent Class Analysis of Discrimination and Social Capital in Korean Public Rental Housing Communities

The game of rental housing financialization: Institutional investors in the Swedish housing system

While attention has been paid to how politico-legal reforms have enabled or inhibited the entrance of institutional investors, less is known about how these providers impact or challenge existing actors, regulations, processes, and institutional arrangements within local housing systems. This article departs from the case of Sweden: it has been discussed how institutional investors have been enabled by the country’s soft rent regulation, which is based on a collective bargaining process between all providers and the Swedish Union of Tenants (SUT) and allows for sharp rent increases after renovation. We show how in the Swedish case large institutional investors exploit existing institutional arrangements and challenge the norms that underlie the functioning of the rental housing system. To explore and illustrate this process we rely on the theory of incremental institutional change and complement it through the conceptual metaphor of “gaming.” We argue that housing systems can be understood as playing fields in which different actors employ tactics to defend or advance their interests, without, necessarily, the need to formally change the rules of the game. We suggest that more attention should be paid to institutional investors’ active engagement with local housing systems over time, beyond dichotomies of enablement or inhibition.

Housing tenure and subjective poverty among young European adults: The role of rent regulation

Poverty has spread in Europe over the last decade, becoming a central issue in the political debate. Alongside objective measures of poverty, assessing the level of subjective poverty, especially among young adults, is important because of the consequences that feeling poor can have on household fertility decisions, consumption, and investment in human capital. Objective and subjective poverty do not fully overlap, and the sense of insecurity can lead to a feeling of not being able to make ends meet. For renters and mortgaged homeowners, housing costs can be a significant burden, and the risk of not being able to pay the rent or mortgage installments can affect young adults’ wellbeing and feeling of poverty. Our study investigates the relationship between tenure status and subjective poverty for households of young independent adults aged 18-34 living in 24 European countries, assessing whether rent regulation plays a role in influencing this association. Using micro-level data from EU-SILC and macro-level data on rent regulation, we estimate multilevel linear regression models with a three-level random effects specification: young household respondents (Level 1) are nested in country waves (Level 2), which in turn are nested within countries (Level 3). Controlling for income level and housing costs, we found that being a tenant or a mortgaged homeowner increases the probability of economic hardship compared to being an outright homeowner. By offering affordable options, rental housing policies can also reduce subjective poverty among young people who are not direct beneficiaries of these policies.

Housing market, social housing, and fertility: evidence from urban China

ABSTRACT This study utilizes panel data from 283 Chinese cities between 2009 and 2017 and employs a fixed-effects model to analyze the effects of commercial housing prices and social housing supply on birth rates, considering the interaction between the housing market and social housing policies. The findings indicate that a 1% increase in housing prices results in a 0.063% decrease in the birth rate, while a 1% increase in social housing supply leads to a 0.075% increase in the birth rate. However, although increasing the supply of social housing can positively influence birth rates, its substitutability with commercial housing may reduce the availability of commercial properties, driving up housing prices and potentially lowering fertility rates. Therefore, an unlimited social housing supply policy may not effectively resolve the issue of low birth rates. To be more inclusive, local governments should adopt a demand-oriented social housing policy that addresses the diverse needs of families, rather than focusing solely on supply-side measures. Highlights Social housing supply in areas with lower housing prices positively affects birth rates. Social housing supply in areas with higher housing prices negatively affects birth rates. Among social housing types, economic and comfortable housing (ECH) has a greater impact on fertility rates than public rental housing (PRH). A demand-driven social housing supply policy is necessary for low-income households.

NATURE OF CHANGING GENDER ROLES IN IGALA HOUSEHOLDS IN KOGI EAST SENATORIAL DISTRICT OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

The protection of the members of the household is the role of the head of the Igala household. However, many female spouses and children no longer get this protection. Such female spouses participate in or solely provide food, pay house rents, pay medical bills, etc., in addition to their female gender roles of domestic, caregiving and reproduction roles. The changing role-taking outstretch their energy, causing role strain among them. This situation attracted the researchers’ attention into examining the nature of the changing gender roles in Igala households in Kogi East Senatorial district of Kogi State, Nigeria. . A body of related literature was reviewed while liberal feminism was used to explain the phenomenon as the theory is suitable in explaining inequality in changing gender roles. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research designs. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 268 respondents; while the 4 IDI informants and 24 discussants were selected using the purposive sampling technique. Questionnaire, IDI and FGD guides and documentary search pro-former were used to gather data from the field. Findings reveal that while the authority aspect of the family protection role is minimally changing, other aspects such as security; public relation; liaison; discipline; provision and male gender role modeling are fast changing. Furthermore, the study revealed that the domestic and caregiving aspects of procreants’ roles are minimally changing as few men partake in domestic and caregiving roles whereas majority of women perform security, disciplinary and provider roles. This creates imbalance and unequal role taking. The research therefore concludes that there is inequality in changing gender roles among the Igala ethnic group of Kogi State. There is therefore, the need for the socialisation of the populace into accepting husbands sharing domestic and caregiving roles. Efforts should be made by relevant bodies to ensure that formal and informal education contents should include gender role sharing among couples to mitigate the identified challenges.

To cool or not to cool: understanding and improving cooling centre use in metro vancouver through community-based participatory action research

Abstract Extreme heat events present significant health risks, particularly for populations facing systemic marginalization. Through interviews and focus groups with 63 (n=60 residents; n=3 service providers) participants, this paper explores the barriers and opportunities related to access and use of cooling centres from both user and provider perspectives, as well as broader implications for addressing vulnerability to extreme heat in the metro Vancouver region of British Columbia, Canada. Initially focused on cooling centres, our research expanded to include the complexities of individual and systemic responses to heat, highlighting the complex interplay between personal preferences and structural barriers. Key barriers to cooling centre usage reported by participants included concerns over safety, hygiene, stigma, lack of information, and infrastructural challenges such as transportation. Service providers faced constraints with staffing, limited hours, and underutilization of additional services. Tensions emerged between individual, do-it-yourself (DIY) approaches and collective solutions, with participants seeking agency in their choices while acknowledging the need for improved, community-based interventions. The study also uncovered the unintended effects of inclusivity, as the presence of individuals who use substances or are unhoused in cooling spaces deterred some potential users, underscoring the challenges of designing universally accessible services. Broader systemic issues, such as housing security and the quality of indoor environments, further intersected with vulnerability to extreme heat, exacerbating risks for those opting to stay at home. The paper recommends leveraging existing public spaces, enhancing social networks, improving tenant protections, and fostering ‘right to cool’ initiatives to balance immediate relief with long-term systemic reform, particularly around the rental housing crisis and tenant insecurity. By addressing both individual and collective needs, this approach can mitigate the health impacts of extreme heat while promoting greater equity and resilience.

Speculative Criminality at Home: Bypassing Tenant Rights Through Police Surveillance in Detroit’s Rental Housing

In 2016, Detroit, Michigan’s police department piloted a city-wide public-private-community video surveillance program called Project Green Light (PGL). Businesses that host the service, typically gas stations and convenience stores, receive priority response times for emergency dispatch calls, artificially decreasing 911 response times in a city with historically low emergency response capacity. This has led to many senior care homes with medically vulnerable residents to subscribe to PGL, as well as landlords of residential apartment buildings. While the program has been identified as a marker of gentrification by housing and anti-surveillance activists and residents, it has also raised concern about perpetuating the criminalization of Black Detroiters, specifically those living in rental housing that hosts the technology. In a city that is rapidly evolving through private, institutional, and public partnership developments while elected officials espouse to maintain racial and economic equity as core values of Detroit’s upcoming master planning process, the lack of foresight of the impact of surveillance tech is striking. The article’s focus is on surveillance technology as a defining element of contemporary urban development which enacts both a forbearance and expansion of rights through the application of technology to property relations. Relying on the automation of policing and racially biased artificial intelligence perpetuates criminality based on race, class, and perceived gender while additionally tying those experiences to the bundle of rights associated with the ownership of property.

Impact of the war in Ukraine on the real estate market in Romania: Analysis in geopolitical context

The war in Ukraine has caused profound transformations in the dynamics of the Romanian real estate market, reflecting the impact of a complex combination of economic and financial, demographic and socio-cultural, as well as political and legal factors. In this context, the objective of the study is to analyze the impact of the war in Ukraine on the real estate market in Romania by assessing the influence of determinants to identify measures to support the stability and development of the real estate market within geopolitical crises. Subsequently, based on statistical analysis methods, the econometric model was developed considering as dependent variables the real estate market (measured by average price for housing) and independent variables – the number of Ukrainian migrants, interest rate on mortgage loans, GDP per capita, and inflation rate. The research results reveal that Ukrainian migration has a significant positive impact on the real estate market, leading to price increases for housing in urban areas and increased demand for rental housing. In addition, mortgage interest rates show a significant negative impact, suggesting that lower affordability of financing limits purchases of real estate. Moreover, GDP growth per capita is positively correlated with price dynamics in the real estate market, confirming that a prosperous economy stimulates investments in real estate. Findings provide valuable insights into understanding how geopolitical and economic factors interact to influence the real estate market.

What About the Kids? Identifying Children in the Housing Support System in Aotearoa, New Zealand

ABSTRACTIn Aotearoa New Zealand (henceforth referred to as Aotearoa) a range of housing supports are aimed at improving homeownership rates and making both private rental and public housing more available. Despite these “supports”, a large number of children, adolescents and young people are experiencing housing insecurity or severe housing deprivation. Housing intersects with health, education, state care and welfare to influence a range of outcomes for children, therefore this paper addresses the critical issue of access to housing supports for children and adolescents. Through Official Information Act requests and a review of existing housing sector data, we found 323,257 children within the housing support system in Aotearoa New Zealand, with Māori (Indigenous People of Aotearoa) children disproportionately represented. We describe how children are largely unaccounted for in housing support system data, and this invisibility therefore challenges the understanding of the extent, inequities, and impact of the housing sector on children. We argue the urgent need for transformative policies centred on children, embedded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), to ensure all children have access to stable, healthy, and secure housing for a brighter future.

Housing Satisfaction among the Young Renters: An Empirical Study on Housing Conditions, Housing Security, Housing Environment and Institutional Support

The poor quality of housing facilities and incomprehensive housing policy can lead to residents’ low rental satisfaction. This paper explores housing satisfaction among young renters, focusing on critical variables such as housing conditions, security, environment, and institutional support. The study population is focused on young residents living in Selangor and Johor. The study uses questionnaires as a research instrument, and the development of research instruments for this research is divided into two stages, namely the pilot study stage and the actual distribution stage of the questionnaire for 350 respondents. The findings found that young renters are generally satisfied with their housing conditions, housing environment, and institutional support, while housing security was insignificant in affecting satisfaction. The main implication of this study is the importance of analysing the factors that could determine the satisfaction towards rental housing from a multidimensional perspective to help plan housing policies and strategies to become more effective and conclusive for the younger generation’s well-being. This research also provides a better understanding of the demographic factors affecting house renting satisfaction. The results of this research can be used as a basis for formulating housing policies that consider relevant aspects such as housing and renter factors.

Addressing Social Isolation and Suicide Risk in South Korea’s Permanent Rental Housing: An Empirical Investigation of Intervention Strategies1

This study examines social isolation and suicide risk in South Korea's permanent rental housing, which has been in existence since 1989. The research objectives are threefold: firstly, to identify individuals and households at heightened risk of mental health challenges; secondly, to analyse the causal relationships between residential environments and mental health outcomes; and thirdly, to formulate evidence-based recommendations for suicide prevention interventions. The study employs data from the Housing Management Agency and the Korea Welfare Panel Survey (KOWEPS) to emamine a range of factors, including household composition, age, gender, housing satisfaction, and social relationships. The study’s key findings indicate an elevated prevalence of suicide and loneliness, particularly among older adults and single-person households. Significant influences on these outcomes include financial stress, housing tenure, neighborhood characteristics, and housing quality. The study identifies depression as a critical factor, influenced by self-esteem, social support, and environmental satisfaction, with older residents with lower education and employment rates being most at risk. The research underscores the need for demographically targeted mental health strategies and highlights the importance of expanded public health interventions and housing improvements. It advocates for early identification and proactive management of mental health risks, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to reducing social isolation and suicide in permanent rental housing.

Effects of the Customized Plant Education in the Rooftop Garden of Public Rental Housing for Enhancing Sustainable Living of the Elderlies

Background and objective: This study explores the effects of customized plant education on the sustainable living capacity of elderly residents in public rental housing. The housing in this study is the planned elderly residence with a community rooftop garden as the main community place, and the education program was developed based on the garden.Methods: Ten residents participated in the education, and the effects were measured through pre- and post-interviews. The site and elder residents’ specific 2 hours education program was developed and conducted once a week for a month.Results: The recognition of plants improved, which led to an increase in interest in plants and garden. Moreover, the education enhanced social exchanges among residents and promoted the willingness to participation in garden activities.Conclusion: These results suggested that the plant education can enhance residents' attachment to the garden, as well as their cognitive, emotional, and social capacities, thereby enabling them to live in the community housing longer.

Factors affecting rental use in the lower Silesia province during the pandemic period

ObjectivesThe article focuses on the analysis and evaluation of changes in tenant behavior and expecta-tions, in the rental market during constraints on the operation of, among others, institutions, businesses, and schools, during the pandemic. The behavior of young people, who, by defini-tion, base their housing needs more heavily on rent, was analyzed. The purpose of the article is to analyze the factors that affect the use of rent by young people in the Lower Silesian province during the pandemic. This research paper attempted to answer in what direction these changes have gone. In the process of designing the study, research hypotheses were formulated. Based on statistical analysis, it was assumed that the key factor that affects long-term rent use is lack of creditworthinessMaterial and methodsThe survey conducted focused on young people. An author's survey questionnaire was used. The questionnaire titled Rental Market Preferences addressed to tenants using rental housing in the Lower Silesian province during the study contained nine closed questions. This article focuses on the evaluation of the behavior of young people on the housing market during the pandemic period.ResultsThe methodology used allowed us to verify the relationship between the number of rooms rented and the rental risk factors, thus confirming the validity of the research hypothesis.ConclusionsFactors influencing long-term rental use include changes in personal circumstances and lack of creditworthiness. During the pandemic period, the number of divorces in Poland increased from 13.4 per 10,000 people in 2020 to 15.9 in 2022. The research was carried out in the cities of the Lower Silesian province, which is mainly populated by young people living away from the family home, unable to nest with their parents after the breakup of a relationship.

Comparative Study on China's Public Rental Housing System and Singapore's HDB System

Against the backdrop of rapid global urbanization, housing issues have become an important challenge facing all countries. This paper explores China's public rental housing system and Singapore's public housing system as two core strategies for addressing urban housing challenges. China's public rental housing, which seeks to give security to middle-class and low-income families, has undergone multiple developmental stages since the 1980s and eventually formed a comprehensive system covering basic housing security. In contrast, Singapore's public housing system has emphasized the goal of Home Ownership for All, promoted high homeownership rates, and covered a wider range of income groups since its implementation in the 1960s. This paper points out the key differences between the two systems regarding policy objectives, coverage, funding sources, and management efficiency.The paper concludes by examining the achievements and difficulties of Singapores public housing scheme and drawing inspiration for improving China's public rental housing system in combination with China's actual situation. It also provides recommendations for addressing Chinas housing crisis and looking forward to Chinas future.

Sistem Kunci Elektronik Pintu Kos Menggunakan IoT Berbasis E-KTP

The increasing demand for boarding houses in urban areas presents challenges for owners, including ensuring security, managing access, and enforcing tenant compliance with rental agreements. This research introduces an IoT-based electronic door lock system utilizing e-KTP for boarding houses to address these challenges. The system facilitates efficient and secure room access management through integration with a web server for real-time monitoring and notifications. It employs an RFID reader to authenticate e-KTP cards, with the data processed by a NodeMCU microcontroller to control a solenoid lock. For emergency situations, a pushbutton is installed to allow access from inside the room. The system records all access events and sends notifications to users, including reminders for payment deadlines and rental expiration. All data is stored in a MySQL database and accessed through a user-friendly web interface designed for tenants and landlords. Testing demonstrates the system's reliability in granting authorized access and blocking unauthorized attempts. The push button ensures secure internal use. The integration of IoT technology enhances security, convenience, and administrative efficiency in managing rental housing.

No way out? The hurdles of exiting public rental housing in Kuala Lumpur

Purpose This study aims to identify the significant exit barriers encountered by tenants in public rental housing and analyze the moderating effects of sociodemographic factors on tenants’ decisions to leave public rental housing. Design/methodology/approach This study applied a quantitative methodology. Questionnaire survey was used as its main instrument for data collection. Responses were gathered from 328 tenants in the Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) through stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling partial least square (SEM-PLS). Findings The findings reveal that housing availability and the exit programs by DBKL are the most significant factors influencing exit barriers. Tenant income also impacts their decision to remain, as available housing often does not match their income levels. Policymakers and relevant agencies should collaborate to help tenants increase their income, facilitating their transition out of public rental housing. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to the factors influencing the tenant from exiting PRH. Furthermore, the study specifically targeted those who rent public housing under DBKL administration may neglect the perspectives of other stakeholders, such as DBKL management, property owners and policymakers. Therefore, the findings are insufficient in representing tenants other than those under the DBKL’s administration. While the causes may be similar, the opinions and consequences would vary among other tenants depending on their socio-demographic profiles. Practical implications This research offers a more comprehensive understanding of the exit barriers tenants’ encounter in PRH. The results gained from this study will assist policymakers in developing a more comprehensive initiative that will assist tenants in exiting PRH. DBKL can effectively engage PRH tenants to provide a strategic departure mechanism for better solutions. Furthermore, DBKL can offer aid in locating cheap housing options for tenants who may have limited access to information on the availability of such homes. Social implications This discovery will also be advantageous for prospective tenants who have been on the waiting list for several years, eagerly awaiting the vacancy of units previously occupied by other tenants. Furthermore, residents who successfully vacate public rental housing (PRH) will need to be considered for incentives to promote the success of the housing pathway. This will lead to the attainment of the equitable allocation that has been identified as the primary concern of PRH. Originality/value This study seeks to clarify the exit barriers encountered by tenants in PRH and identifies the significant factors contributing to the low turnover rate of tenants. The study is relevant for DBKL and policymakers in promoting the success of housing pathways to ensure fairness and efficiency in the principles of public housing.