Precarious housing and health inequalities: what are the links?

This report presents summary research findings from the quantitative and qualitative components of the VicHealth funded study that explored the relationship between precarious housing and health.   The reports were launched on 4 August with 60 guests from government and the housing, health and community sectors. They are now available for download from the VicHealth and Hanover websites. Findings in the reports include: 10 per cent of Australian households live in unaffordable housing Around 12 per cent of people reported difficulties paying their mortgage/bills One in four people aged 18 to 24 and half of people older than 64-years-old in private rental experience housing stress Unemployed people are 15 times more likely to live in unaffordable housing than full-time employed people Women, Indigenous people and people born in non-English speaking countries are more likely to experience housing affordability stress People with poor physical and mental health are more likely to experience forced moves from rental properties; Around 4 per cent of the Australian population live in unsuitable housing. Authors: Shelley Mallett, Rebecca Bentley, Emma Baker, Kate Mason, Deborah Keys, Violet Kolar, Lauren Krnjack