The realization of class-monopoly rents: Landlords' class power and its impact on tenants' housing experiences

Abstract

The number of people residing in private rentals, particularly in megacities, has been steadily increasing worldwide. However, a number of studies have revealed that a significant proportion of tenants endure unsatisfactory housing experiences attributed to their landlords. Drawing upon the concept of housing class and Harvey's (1979) theory of class-monopoly rent and class power, this study investigates how landlords in various sub-sectors employ their class power to realize class-monopoly rent and the subsequent impact on tenants' housing experiences. Through in-depth interviews conducted with 30 landlords and tenants representing different sub-sectors in Shenzhen, we have identified that the strategies employed by landlords are contingent upon the power differentials between them and their tenants. The wider the power gap, the greater the range of strategies landlords can utilize, leading to diminished housing experiences for tenants. Additionally, we have developed a housing class scheme in urban China, offering valuable insights into asset inequality and social stratification. By adopting a Marxist perspective, this paper contributes to the ongoing discussion on power dynamics between landlords and tenants. Furthermore, several policy recommendations are provided across different sub-sectors to rebalance the power relationship between landlords and tenants and enhance tenants' housing experiences.