The quality of low-cost rental housing in the United States is often subpar due to cost-cutting measures, leading to health, safety, and durability issues. Many units lack essential repairs, meet minimal building codes, and face frequent violations. Tenants in low-cost housing are disproportionately exposed to mold, pest infestations, lead-based paint, and structural defects, exacerbating health disparities.

The poor quality stems from systemic underinvestment and weak enforcement of housing regulations. A 2023 National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) report highlights a shortage of 4.8 million affordable rental units, with many existing units failing to meet modern safety standards. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) found that 32% of low-income rental properties had critical health or safety violations in 2022, compared to 18% of higher-income units. Additionally, a 2021 study in the Journal of Urban Health revealed that residents of low-cost housing faced a 40% higher risk of respiratory illnesses linked to poor indoor air quality.HUD’s 2022 Fair Housing Data Collection System also shows that 60% of low-cost units in high-poverty neighborhoods lack basic amenities like functioning plumbing or heating systems. These disparities reflect a lack of resources for property owners to maintain properties and insufficient oversight by local housing authorities. For example, only 15% of cities with populations over 100,000 enforce annual inspections for low-cost rentals, per the National Multifamily Housing Council. Without targeted funding and stricter enforcement, the quality of low-cost housing will remain a public health challenge.