Substandard Housing

DEFINITION

The percentage of occupied housing units with at least one of four problems: lack of complete kitchen facilities, lack of plumbing facilities, severely crowded, or severely cost-burdened occupants (Estimated from 2013-2017 data).55

14 percent

17.5 percent

Data Highlight: OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma ties with Wisconsin for rank 15 (of 50) for substandard housing. Nationwide, communities of color, NATIONAL AVERAGE the formerly justice involved, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are some of the most likely to experience housing discrimination across the nation, which narrows the availability of safe and affordable housing for these groups.55,56,57

Why We Care:

Substandard housing poses risks to the health, safety, and well-being of occupants.55 Unhealthy conditions in substandard housing can include the presence of lead, radon gas, carbon monoxide, mold, pests like cockroaches, bedbugs, and rats, and poor temperature control. These unsafe surroundings can cause lead poisoning, allergies, cancer, illnesses, asthma, and other respiratory issues.55 These health issues often result in missed school or work for occupants. Unfortunately, most occupants of substandard housing are at or below the poverty line, and because of the economic discrepancies women in Oklahoma face, women, particularly women with children, are more likely to live in substandard housing in Oklahoma. Populations of color, the formerly justice involved, disabled, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are some of the most likely to experience housing discrimination across the nation, which narrows the availability of safe and affordable housing for these groups.55,56,57,58

What We Can Do:

- Work with cities and municipalities to report and address instances of substandard housing - Work to improve laws, rules, and codes around housing conditions to ensure tenants are not as frequently subjected to substandard and unsafe housing conditions - Enforce anti-discrimination housing laws

Lookbook Vol. 2

p. 33