Validity of older homeowners’ housing evaluations

The validity of older homeowners’ reports of the repair status of their homes was determined by comparing their assessments with housing inspection records. Although the observed agreement is high, the ability of older homeowners to provide valid assessments of home repair status is overestimated because most of this agreement is due to chance. In addition, older homeowners are least likely to provide valid reports when repairs are needed. Given the policy importance of accurate reporting about potentially unsafe dwelling unit conditions, these results are disturbing.