Subsidized housing: what is it?

Subsidized housing is government assistance for those who struggle to find housing. Tenants receive vouchers or government benefits to help pay for housing, and various types of subsidized housing are available. Applicants must apply and be evaluated by a social worker to determine eligibility. Subsidized housing is a form of housing that is accessible through […]

What’s a housing bubble?

A housing bubble occurs when property prices rise rapidly, causing inflation and wage increases to become unsustainable. Fiscal policies and supply and demand also play a role. Negative effects include increased foreclosures and higher unemployment rates. The bubble eventually bursts, causing property prices to fall and leading to foreclosures and job losses. A new housing […]

Housing & community dev: what’s the link?

Community development involves planning and providing adequate housing for community members, enforcing zoning laws, and ensuring housing units meet community standards. Community leaders must enact laws relating to tenancy and regulate the relationship between landlords and tenants to ensure community development. Part of the definition of community development derives from the application of the process […]

Housing discrimination in the US?

Despite the legalization of same-sex marriage in the US, a 2019 study found that same-sex couples are 73% less likely to be approved for a mortgage loan than heterosexual couples. They can also expect to pay higher interest rates. 26 US states lack housing protections for the LGBTQ+ community. The approval rate for same-sex marriage […]

Housing bias in America: role of restrictive covenants?

Restrictive covenants were used to create segregated neighborhoods in the US, particularly affecting black and Asian Americans. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 made it illegal to enforce racially motivated covenants, but some neighborhood associations still use them to maintain property values. The Act also provides protections for people looking for properties to rent or […]

Nat’l Housing Act: What is it?

The National Housing Act was passed in 1934 to help Americans afford housing and home loans during the Great Depression. The act created the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to ensure safe housing and a stable mortgage market, and the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation to prevent unfair foreclosures. The act allowed the government to […]

3rd Amendment: Housing of Soldiers.

The Quartering Acts during the American Revolutionary War allowed British soldiers to ask for lodgings in settlers’ homes, leading to the Third Amendment of the US Constitution which prohibits soldiers from lodging in homes without consent. The amendment protects privacy and property rights, but is rarely applied. It is related to the Fourth Amendment, which […]

Types of sustainable housing?

Sustainable construction uses renewable energy to power homes. Green roof, underground, wooden, greenhouse, and houseboat houses are examples of sustainable housing that use natural resources to regulate temperature and reduce environmental impact. Sustainable construction, or green architecture, refers to environmentally safe building designs. This type of dwelling may, in whole or in part, use renewable […]

What’s the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act, part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, prohibits discrimination in housing based on national origin, creed, race, gender, marital status, or disability. It covers landlords, real estate agents, and lenders and addresses various forms of discrimination. However, discrimination can be subtle and difficult to detect. The act also addresses coercion […]

What’s senior housing?

Retirement housing offers a range of options for seniors, from full-service nursing facilities for those with limited mobility to active adult living facilities and assisted living communities. These facilities aim to meet the varying needs of older adults and provide a comfortable and enjoyable living environment. Retirement housing is a broad term that is used […]

Postgrad student housing options?

Graduate student housing options include on-campus dormitories or off-campus apartments. Living on-campus may involve working as a Director of Residence for reduced rent. Financial aid may be available for certain housing options. Off-campus living offers more versatility and cost-saving options, but careful consideration of roommates is necessary. Some universities offer reduced off-campus rentals or help […]

Housing adviser’s role?

Housing advisors offer advice on buying, maintaining, and refinancing homes, including personal finance advice. They may require certifications or licenses and can help low-income individuals through organizations. They assist with loan options, debt consolidation, and foreclosure prevention. A housing advisor helps people with questions related to buying, maintaining, or refinancing a home. These services can […]

What’s the Housing Court?

Housing courts handle building code violations and landlord-tenant disputes, with their structure and cases varying by location. Housing courts expedite eviction processes, and some also hear criminal cases related to poor maintenance. Mediation services can also be provided to avoid going to court. In some places, housing issues, including building code violations and landlord-tenant disputes, […]

Housing discrimination: what is it?

Housing discrimination is when someone is denied access to housing based on their characteristics or membership of a group. Landlords, property managers, or banks can be perpetrators. It is illegal in the US to discriminate based on race, nationality, religion, disability, gender, or marital status. Discrimination can occur in rental housing and buying a home, […]

Housing Affordability Index: What is it?

A housing affordability index compares median home prices to median income to determine the likelihood of a median-income family purchasing a median-priced home. However, the index does not account for many variables, such as inflated prices and credit restrictions, and may not be a reliable predictor of an individual’s ability to purchase a home. A […]

What’s housing right?

The right to housing is a universal concept that grants all people the right to live in a safe and adequate home. It is protected by international covenants and ensures access to basic needs, such as food and medical care, and helps individuals obtain employment. Discrimination based on race or gender is prohibited under international […]

Housing Affordability Index: What is it?

A housing affordability index measures the likelihood of a median-income family being able to purchase a median-priced home. The US National Association of Realtors produces a well-known index, but it may not be reliable due to variables like inflated prices and credit restrictions. A housing affordability index is a way of measuring the probability of […]

Housing & Economic Recovery Act: What is it?

The Housing and Economic Rehabilitation Act was passed in 2008 to prevent foreclosures and provide assistance to homeowners. The act allowed the Federal Housing Administration to insure refinancing of defaulting mortgages, but only for owner-occupied primary residences. The act also created the Federal Housing Finance Agency and an affordable permanent housing fund to be funded […]

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