In this work, we examine the set of habitability parameters and standards currently being used for both slum management and formal housing provision in Chile, as a specific approach regarding quality in the current context. The notion of habitability goes beyond conventional quality assessment based on comfort (higro-thermal, acoustic, lighting), including elements such as sanitation, health, perception, safety and privacy. The analysis elaborates on the compared study of tools and regulations currently in use by public agencies that work in the area of housing and informal dwellings and proposes the process of negotiation as an alternative source of parameters and standards.