Rents are soaring across the US – in some cities as much as 30% in just one year – By Michael Sainato (The Guardian) / May 21, 2022
Renters are cutting back on other essentials, falling behind on payments and facing eviction
Andrew Amuso, a single father of a seven-year-old child in Phoenix, Arizona, has lived in the same apartment for eight years.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, his rent was about $900 a month. Last year, it was increased by $276 a month to $1,176 a month, and he has received a lease renewal this year with another large increase, to $1,585.65 a month.
“It’s greed, pure, unadulterated greed. If you saw my place, you would be shocked that I’m going to be paying over $1,500 a month,” said Amos. “When I asked why they’re raising the rent, they said it’s because they can. And they’re right. They can. Because in Arizona there’s no laws protecting renters.”
Despite the significant rent hikes he has received over the past two years, his apartment has remained unchanged. His roof has been leaking for two years whenever it rains and the property management company he rents from has ignored his constant requests to repair the problem.
CONTINUE > https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/may/21/rents-soaring-across-us
