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Exploring the association between housing insecurity and mental health among renters: A systematic review of quantitative primary and secondary studies

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  • Mira Talmatzky
  • Laura Nohr
  • Christine Knaevelsrud
  • Helen Niemeyer

Abstract

Adverse social and economic conditions negatively impact mental health and well-being. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present systematic review is the first to investigate the association between housing insecurity and mental health outcomes among renters, with a focus on housing affordability and instability. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in December 2022 across four databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and ASSIA). Quantitative studies from OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) member countries were eligible for inclusion if they investigated housing insecurity by examining at least one independent variable related to housing affordability and/or instability, and included at least one mental health-related outcome among adult renters. Studies needed to specifically distinguish effects for renters, not simply adjust for tenure or include an interaction. Studies were excluded if they analyzed other forms of housing insecurity, examining residential satisfaction and general health outcomes, or populations other than adult renters (

Suggested Citation

  • Mira Talmatzky & Laura Nohr & Christine Knaevelsrud & Helen Niemeyer, 2026. "Exploring the association between housing insecurity and mental health among renters: A systematic review of quantitative primary and secondary studies," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 21(1), pages 1-40, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0294222
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294222
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Swope, Carolyn B. & Hernández, Diana, 2019. "Housing as a determinant of health equity: A conceptual model," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 243(C).
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