Philippine Institute for Development Studies Surian sa mga Pag-aaral Pangkaunlaran ng Pilipinas Rental Housing for Urban Low-Income Households in the Philippines Marife M. Ballesteros DISCUSSION PAPER SERIES NO. 2004-47 The PIDS Discussion Paper Series constitutes studies that are preliminary and subject to further revisions. They are be- ing circulated in a limited number of cop- ies only for purposes of soliciting com- ments and suggestions for further refine- ments. The studies under the Series are unedited and unreviewed. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not neces- sarily reflect those of the Institute. Not for quotation without permission from the author(s) and the Institute. December 2004 For comments, suggestions or further inquiries please contact: The Research Information Staff, Philippine Institute for Development Studies 3rd Floor, NEDA sa Makati Building, 106 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines Tel Nos: 8924059 and 8935705; Fax No: 8939589; E-mail:
[email protected] Or visit our website at http://www.pids.gov.ph Rental Housing for Urban Low Income Households in the Philippines Abstract The objective of this paper is to examine the rental housing market in the Philippines and provide possible policy options for a viable rental scheme for low income households. Rental housing is now seen as a vital component in accommodating large number of families in developing countries. In the Philippines, specifically Metro Manila, the increase in urban population through both migration and natural increase, has been absorbed to a large extent by the rental market. There is thus a need for the government to reexamine its policy on rental housing.