Social Rental Housing as a Solution in London, Seattle, and San Francisco

Keywords: Housing, Neoliberalism, Policy, Social Housing,
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Since the 1980s, neoliberalism has significantly reshaped housing policies in the United States and the United Kingdom. With governments withdrawing from directly providing housing for disadvantaged populations, public rental housing (or "council housing" in the UK) has diminished through privatization. Combined with inadequate resources to address homelessness, austerity measures, and limited control over housing speculation, these changes have exacerbated housing challenges in both countries.

After decades of neoliberal policies, the worsening housing situation for low-income populations has led to widespread homelessness in cities like London, Seattle, and San Francisco. Rising housing speculation and inflation have extended these issues to the middle class as well. Today, housing instability is no longer an issue confined to the poor. Increasingly, social rental housing has emerged as a viable solution, especially in the U.S., inspired by Western European models of social housing.

This research examines how neoliberal policies have impacted housing policies and exacerbated housing issues in these cities. It will then explore the current political landscape within each city to assess whether social rental housing is gaining traction as a potential solution. Key factors such as political, financial, and institutional support from government entities will be evaluated to understand the feasibility of implementing social rental housing.

For this study, "social rental housing" is defined as housing with affordable rents accessible to a broad income range of tenants. The research methodology relies on secondary sources, including literature, news reports, and government and housing organization documents, to build a comprehensive view of each city’s situation.