An examination of rental housing in Latin America and of the tenant-landlord relationship and how the state intervenes in that relationships.

This ground-breaking work employs survey data and in-depth interviews to compile a detailed picture of landlords and tenants in developing countries. Focusing on Mexico the authors examine the state's housing policy, with its clear bias towards increasing home ownership, and explores the possibilities of improving the quality and increasing the stock of rented accommodation in the developing World.

`Gilbert and Varley provide a marvellously detailed analysis of housing choices, household budgets and the success with which the Mexican political economy has aligned the first two factors.' - John Walton, University of California

`Gilbert and Varley have unquestionably provided an interesting and illuminating study which will be a significant source of reference for future research and action on rental shelter in less-developed countries.' - Sylvia Chan, London School of Economics