Strategies to Combat Tenant Fraud in the Rental Housing Market

Strategies to Combat Tenant Fraud in the Rental Housing Market by Gwendolyn B. Dawson MBA, Nova Southeastern University, 1990 BS, University of Florida, 1985 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2018 Abstract Many business executives lack strategies to detect and eliminate tenant fraud in subsidized rental housing. The purpose of this multicase study was to explore strategies some business executives used to detect and eliminate tenant fraud in subsidized rental housing. The conceptual framework used to guide this study was the theory of planned behavior. Data were gathered using semistructured interviews with 6 purposively selected business executives of public housing authorities, supplemented with a review of policies and procedures that business executives used. Yin’s 5-step analysis, which entails examining, categorizing, tabulating, creating a data display, and testing the data, guided the process of coding participants’ responses. Member checking validated that emerging themes were in alignment with participant experiences. The 4 major themes of the study were: perception of tenant fraud, detection and minimization of fraud, the effect of fraudulent behavior on tenant attitudes and belief systems, and verification procedures. The results of the study might support positive social change by providing leaders with insights related to fraud-reducing fragmentation, duplication, and overlapping of programs, which may result in federal funds being available for federal government public services. The findings of this study might add to the body of knowledge and further contribute to social change through a coalition of housing agencies working together to share their knowledge of combatting tenant fraud in subsidized rental housing and restoring the integrity of the Housing Choice Voucher Program.Many business executives lack strategies to detect and eliminate tenant fraud in subsidized rental housing. The purpose of this multicase study was to explore strategies some business executives used to detect and eliminate tenant fraud in subsidized rental housing. The conceptual framework used to guide this study was the theory of planned behavior. Data were gathered using semistructured interviews with 6 purposively selected business executives of public housing authorities, supplemented with a review of policies and procedures that business executives used. Yin’s 5-step analysis, which entails examining, categorizing, tabulating, creating a data display, and testing the data, guided the process of coding participants’ responses. Member checking validated that emerging themes were in alignment with participant experiences. The 4 major themes of the study were: perception of tenant fraud, detection and minimization of fraud, the effect of fraudulent behavior on tenant attitudes and belief systems, and verification procedures. The results of the study might support positive social change by providing leaders with insights related to fraud-reducing fragmentation, duplication, and overlapping of programs, which may result in federal funds being available for federal government public services. The findings of this study might add to the body of knowledge and further contribute to social change through a coalition of housing agencies working together to share their knowledge of combatting tenant fraud in subsidized rental housing and restoring the integrity of the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Strategies to Combat Tenant Fraud in the Rental Housing Market by Gwendolyn B. Dawson MBA, Nova Southeastern University, 1990 BS, University of Florida, 1985 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2018 Dedication I dedicate this study in loving memory of my beautiful, sweet, and loving rose— my mother, Mrs. Jacquelyn J. Brewton. My only regret is that you did not live long enough to witness me complete what you have always encouraged me to do, which is to pursue my dream of earning a doctoral degree. You have always purposed in my heart to continue reaching for the stars until I touched them. However, I know your spirit resided in me and guided me every step of the way on this incredible journey; and I am confident you have continued to watch over me with love and care. I also dedicate this study to a phenomenal, gentle giant—my husband, Reverend Winston Dawson, for your many sacrifices demonstrated daily through your love, concern, and patience. You have done so much to ensure I was able to complete this study with the least amount of distraction as possible. You were extremely flexible and always adjusted to my adjustments, without ever complaining. I love you beyond measure and I thank God for love and support! Acknowledgments First, I give thanks, honor, and all praises to God for his grace and mercy on this phenomenal journey; for giving me the strength and faith to persevere when I thought I could not go on. I extend Hallelujah, the highest praise to God, for blessing me with an extraordinary family who endured with me every step on this journey. I acknowledge my loving, patient, and devoted husband, Reverend Winston Dawson, and I acknowledge my daughter, Wantanisha Jacquelyn Dawson Morant, and my Goddaughter, Rina BrownBradley. Thank you both for being my biggest cheering squad and for encouraging me during many tireless nights, to continue pressing and praying my way to the finish line. I express special gratitude to the two of you for traveling this incredible journey with me, as we cheered one another along the way to reach our goals. Next, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to my amazing doctoral study chair, Dr. Marilyn Simon, without whom I could not have accomplished this study. I appreciate your support, nurturing, guidance, lessons taught, and genuine care and concern for me. You were the captain of my cheering squad and providing not only much needed encouragement, but also firm direction when appropriate. I also acknowledge and extend appreciation to Dr. Jorge Gaytan and the rest of my doctoral study committee members to ensure my study met the required academic standards of Walden University. Finally, I acknowledge the participants for their willingness to share information that was an integral part of this study.