Abstract: Intrinsic relationship between housing security and income distribution from the perspective of specification should be explored in order to develop the moderating role of housing security on income distribution Marx’s first need theory, welfare economics, theory of governmental intervention and the proposition of the "third way" are all theoretical foundation for this role of housing security It is found that this moderating role can be reflected by influencing the primary and secondary distribution of national income, as well as residents’ property income Empirical study reveals that the moderating effects vary with the choices of housing security policies As a result, it is necessary to make improvements on security forms, subsidy modes, security standards, planning and construction, etc

Key words: housing security, income distribution, moderating role, policy choice