TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose– Previous research has established that there is a relationship between housing and mental health, however, understanding about how and why housing affects mental health is still limited. The purpose of this paper is to address this deficit by focusing on the experiences of residents of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). Design/methodology/approach– Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 20 HMO residents who were asked about their housing career and experience of living in a HMO. Participants were recruited with assistance from community organisations and landlords. Findings– The physical properties and social environment of the property, as well as personal circumstances experienced prior to the move into the property, all influenced how mental health was affected. The authors identify and discuss in detail three key meditating factors: safety, control and identity which may affect how living in the property impacts the mental health of tenants. Practical implications– Good property management can lessen the potential harmful effects of living in a HMO. However, poorly run properties which house numerous vulnerable people may increase the risk of poor mental health due to attendant high levels of stress and possible risk of abuse. Originality/value– Based on the reports of HMO residents, the authors outline the key mediating processes through which living in HMOs may affect mental wellbeing, as well as illuminating the potential risks and benefits of HMOs, an overlooked tenure in housing research.
VL  - 14
IS  - 2
SN  - 1746-5729
DO  - 10.1108/JPMH-11-2013-0070
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-11-2013-0070
AU  - Barratt Caroline
AU  - Green Gillian
AU  - Speed Ewen
PY  - 2015
Y1  - 2015/01/01
TI  - Mental health and houses in multiple occupation
T2  - Journal of Public Mental Health
PB  - Emerald Group Publishing Limited
SP  - 107
EP  - 117
Y2  - 2024/04/23
ER  -