Housing-Sensitive Health Conditions Can Predict Poor-Quality Housing

Overview

A new study published in Health Affairs explores how housing-sensitive health conditions can serve as predictors of poor-quality housing. Using New York City Medicaid claims data linked to Landlord Watchlist data, researchers developed a housing health index to identify buildings likely to have substandard conditions affecting residents’ health. The study highlights how health data can be leveraged to proactively target housing inspections and interventions to improve living conditions and health outcomes.

Findings

• Health as a Housing Indicator: The study identifies 23 specific housing-sensitive health conditions, including asthma, respiratory infections, hypertension, and mental health disorders, that correlate with poor building conditions.
• Data-Driven Housing Inspections: Buildings with a high concentration of these conditions were significantly more likely to appear on the New York City Landlord Watchlist, indicating substandard housing quality.
• Targeted Policy Interventions: The housing health index offers a new tool for local governments and policymakers to prioritize housing inspections in buildings most at risk of health-related deficiencies.
• Staffing & Resources Impact: The study also raises concerns about potential reductions in home health staffing following changes in ownership, which could impact care quality.

Implications for Policy and Practice

• Proactive Housing Code Enforcement: Local housing agencies can use health data to target inspections and enforcement efforts in at-risk buildings.
• Health and Housing Integration: Policymakers should explore cross-sector collaborations between public health and housing authorities to address environmental health disparities.
• Supporting Tenants: Strategies to protect tenants from displacement while addressing housing conditions should be prioritized.