Older Social and Private Renters, the Neighbourhood, and Social Connections and Activity

Abstract

This study explores the social worlds of older renters. Drawing on in-depth interviews and Sen's capability approach, it argues that accommodation costs, security of tenure and the neighbourhood play a pivotal role in shaping the capability of older renters to initiate and sustain social connections and leisure activities. In the case of older private renters, their high rents and constant anxiety around their security of tenure meant that many did not have the capability to engage in leisure activities and were isolated. In contrast, the older social housing interviewees, because of their low rents, guaranteed security of tenure and longevity of residence, usually had the capability to sustain strong social ties and partake in social activities.

Keywords:

• Older renters
• public housing
• private renters
• neighbourhood
• social ties
• capabilities

Acknowledgements

This study was facilitated by a grant from the Faculty of Arts and Social Science Research, University of New South Wales.

Notes

1. Older renters on a low income would be solely or primarily on the age pension for their income. I use the term social housing when referring to both public and community housing.

2. I have used Housing NSW's conceptualisation of Sydney's inner, middle and outer ring. For a listing of the suburbs falling into the respective categories and a map of Sydney illustrating the inner, middle and outer rings, see http://www.housing.nsw.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/7B8407E4-8BF2-4F74-ADEC-FB7EA81296A6/0/RSReport96.pdf

3. Commonwealth Rent Assistance is a federally funded programme to assist low-income households access the private rental market. The amount an individual is entitled to is dependent on the rent being paid.

4. All the names used are pseudonyms.