Covid-19 and Coping Strategies of Homeowners and Tenants in Dhaka
20 Pages Posted: 16 Mar 2022
Abstract
COVID-19 has impacted the rental housing sector of Dhaka badly. During the first wave of the pandemic, the sector faced reduced demand for dwelling units and increased negotiation process between homeowners and tenants. Keeping the social and behavioural attitudes in mind, this qualitative research explores the effect of COVID-19 on the homeowners and tenants of Dhaka. It carries out seven in depth interviews- four owners and three tenants over telephone. It follows the COREQ (COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research) guidelines while reporting the findings. The study identifies two core themes- crisis perception and risk anticipation both for homeowners and tenants and one additional theme namely ‘functional restrictions’ for tenants in exploring the impact of the pandemic. Based on case by case analysis, corresponding coping strategies are identified and summarized accordingly. This study is the first in following thematic approach to understand the behavioural responses of homeowners and tenants during the pandemic. Findings have important implications for future housing policy formulation.
Keywords: COVID-19, Dhaka, Rental housing, Risk perception, coping strategies, Homeowner and tenant
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