Abstract
Purpose. This study examined the effects of a training intervention on landlord claims paid under a federal rent subsidy program. After moving from one dwelling to another, low-income tenants must repay public housing agencies for amounts paid to landlords for unpaid tenant rent, repair of tenant-caused damages, and vacancy loss. An experimental training intervention provided tenants with knowledge and skills required to diminish their financial obligations. This study examined the effects of the training intervention on quantities and amounts of approved claims. Methodology. The studied population comprised tenants receiving federal Section 8 Certificate Program rental assistance through the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach, California. The two-phased study first evaluated negative impacts of a federal housing program on low income tenants and public housing agencies. The study then evaluated the effects of an experimental intervention at mitigating such impacts. The study used a time series design and historical data were used as the base-line group. Indices were created and analyzed for pre- and post-intervention months to show movement in the quantity and amount of claims per 100 moves. Indices were developed and analyzed for the following cohorts: elderly and disabled tenants, family tenants, unpaid tenant rent, repair of tenant-caused damages, and vacancy loss. Costs and benefits were analyzed. Pre- and post-intervention trend line patterns were analyzed. Findings and conclusions. The intervention was successful and had no net costs. Quantifiable benefits included a 76 percent decrease in claims quantity and a 71 percent decrease in claims amount. Cohort indices dropped between 56 percent and 88 percent. Using a straight-line extrapolation model, the intervention would decrease annual federal housing costs by $20,301,902. The study's implications concern (1)~training low-income people on desirable behaviors and (2)~creating federal housing policies that are responsive to all beneficiaries. Recommendations. Emphasize and train housing professionals on training techniques and program evaluation skills. Redesign federal rental assistance programs to include tenant training on factors that affect tenants' tenancy. Include evaluation measures and procedures in rental housing program design. Cross-validate this study using modified research methodology. Broaden research in the field of classroom training to include nontraditional areas of learning.