Elamispädevus

Elamispädevus is a term used in Estonian housing policy and planning to describe the capacity or right of an individual or household to inhabit a dwelling that meets basic living standards. It encompasses both the resident's ability to maintain an independent living arrangement and the dwelling's suitability for occupancy, including safety, health, and comfort aspects.

It includes factors such as dwelling size relative to household size, structural integrity, stable heating and water supply, sanitation, ventilation, accessibility for people with reduced mobility, energy efficiency, and safety features (fire protection, electrical safety). It also involves conditions enabling independent living, such as proximity to services, transport, and social support.

In practice, elamispädevus is used by local governments, social services, housing associations, and urban planners to assess housing adequacy, allocate social housing, and design interventions to improve housing stock. It informs eligibility criteria for subsidies, housing repair programs, and relocation assistance.

Linked to national building codes, housing standards, and human rights obligations to adequate housing, elamispädevus is measured through indicators and surveys and can drive policy shifts toward improving energy efficiency, accessibility, and safety.

Criticism centers on definitional ambiguity and the potential for uneven application across populations. Proponents argue that a clear focus on habitation competence supports better targeting of housing assistance and long-term social outcomes.