Multifamily Housing Characteristics and Tenant Satisfaction
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 21, Issue 6
Abstract
This paper examines the long-term impact of structural features and physical amenities on the residential satisfaction of renters in multifamily housing. A cumulative logit analysis of 7,206 rented multifamily units in the 2005 American Housing Survey indicates that features creating separated space (additional room, bathroom, garage/carport, or balcony/patio) were associated with significantly higher satisfaction, even when holding total unit area constant. Conversely, violation of space separation by noise intrusion through walls, floors, or ceilings created dramatically negative effects. Other amenities such as a fireplace, disposal, or dishwasher had no statistically significant impact. Tracking a cohort of 5,170 rented multifamily units from 1997 to 2005 revealed somewhat similar effects on the satisfaction trajectory of residents during this period. More bathrooms, bedrooms, and other rooms, as well as the presence of a balcony/patio were associated with satisfaction improvements. Analyzing cohort units undergoing modifications during the tracking period revealed that the addition of a bathroom or central air conditioning had the clearest impact on satisfaction, followed by the addition of a balcony/patio, other room, dishwasher, or garage/carport.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 21 • Issue 6 • December 2007
Pages: 472 - 480
Copyright
© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Dec 29, 2006
Accepted: Jun 12, 2007
Published online: Dec 1, 2007
Published in print: Dec 2007
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