AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING: LOST, STOLEN, OR STRAYED?

Losses of units affordable to poor renters have been repeatedly lamented. This study investigates the dynamics underlying net losses by exploiting the longitudinal capability of American Housing Surveys taken at 4-year intervals between 1985 and 1992 in 41 metropolitan areas (MAs). It examines six sources of gain or loss- rent filtering, new construction, permanent loss, temporary loss to nonresidential use, tenure shifts, and unit conversion or merger -- to assess their gross and net effects on six affordability ranges of unsubsidized rental housing.