Housing Instability Risk among Subsidized Housing Recipients: Characteristics Associated with Late or Nonpayment of Rent

Households that secure subsidized housing have a range of economic vulnerabilities. For these individuals and families a housing subsidy represents an important stabilizing trait. However, a housing subsidy can be revoked for lease agreement violations. This article assesses demographic risk profiles of lease violations for nonpayment of rent for households receiving a housing subsidy. Using data from Mercy Housing, a private provider of affordable housing in 18 states, the authors assessed risk profiles of over 15,000 households. Results showed that risk profiles depend on housing type and that households in “family housing” are most at risk of receiving a lease violation for nonpayment of rent. Understanding risk profiles for housing instability is an important first step in understanding effective eviction prevention approaches in subsidized housing. Future research should expand on the dearth of evidence on housing instability for individuals and families receiving housing subsidies, with a particular focus on testing the effects of housing services on eviction prevention and other indicators of well-being.