Where I Live: A Qualitative Analysis of Renters Living in Poor Housing

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-4-2019

Publication Title

Health & Place

Volume

58

First page number:

1

Last page number:

7

Abstract

This article examines the lived experiences of 17 renters residing in Clark County, Nevada. Using a phenomenological study design, we used semistructured interviews to investigate how renters navigate living in substandard housing. The qualitative analysis revealed four main themes: (a) housing serves as a mediator with one's sense of well-being and good health, (b) housing insecurity and displacement occur through various pathways, (c) housing quality can lead to a sense of powerlessness over where one lives, and (d) social networks are key in low-opportunity neighborhoods. The findings support numerous studies that connect housing quality and insecurity to health and well-being, but the findings also highlight the mediating factors to limited housing choices such as the landlord and tenant relationship. Studies of this nature are essential in identifying the various pathways by which housing inequities and disparities can occur, particularly among low-income communities.

Keywords

Substandard housing; Housing quality; Healthy homes; Rental housing; Housing insecurity; Displacement; Social-ecological model

Disciplines

Environmental Public Health | Inequality and Stratification | Urban Studies

Language

English

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