Relationships between selected housing problems and characteristics of houses and homemakers

The purpose of this study was to gain knowledge concerning the existence of housing problems in Tennessee and to determine the characteristics that related to selected problems. Data were obtained from 2538 homemakers through group interviews conducted by Extension agents. Analysis of variance and Chi Square were statistics used in the study.

Major findings included;

1. Separated and single homemakers reported a high percentage of housing problems.

2. Age was related to the number of housing problems reported with younger homemakers having storage problems and older homemakers reporting problems with the cost of heating, cooling, maintenance and repair.

3. Families earning less than $5,000 had a high percentage of housing problems. The problems decreased as income increased.

4. Larger families and those residing in mobile homes had a high number of housing problems.

5. The condition of the house was strongly related to housing problems. As the condition deteriorated, the number of problems increased. Problems also increased with the age of the house.

6. Houses with two or less bedrooms, one or no baths, no separate dining, no recreation room, and no laundry room had a high percentage of problems.

7. In general, housing problems were not related to the number of Extension contacts.

Recommendations for programs were made.