Role of Landlords in Creating Healthy Homes: Section 8 Landlord Perspectives on Healthy Housing Practices

Purpose:This article presents qualitative research findings of Section 8 landlord perceptions regarding healthy housing practices to inform landlord-focused initiatives.Approach or Design:Five focus groups were conducted with landlords.Setting:Boston, Massachusetts.Participants:Section 8 landlords participated in focus groups (n = 39).Method:Focus group transcripts were coded for key themes using a grounded theory approach.Results:Landlords’ primary challenges to creating a healthy housing environment included tenant behavior, financial burden, and policy enforcement; tenant safety and cost savings were seen as primary benefits.Conclusion:Landlords play a critical role in implementing healthy housing practices. Several opportunities exist to reduce barriers and capitalize on perceived benefits of implementing these practices, including increasing access to educational and financial resources.