It shouldn’t have to cost landlords to rent out their property. That message came through loud and clear on the Citizen‘s Facebook page under the Sept. 17 post about the provincial government’s plan to allow a 4.5 per cent rent rate increase.
“Are the increases of much more than 4.5% in property tax, insurance, and everything else landlords have taken on over the past couple of years reasonable? No they’re not either,” wrote Masika Woods.
“Exactly,” agreed Stephanie Ward-Moran. “Why are home owners being punished for investing their hard earned money into a home with rental income, or other real estate property? Why are renters so entitled to ‘low cost housing?’ Unfortunately, the cost of living, buying and maintaining a home is what it is and landlords should be able to protect themselves by charging enough to cover said costs as well as any extras. My property taxes have gone up over 1000 in the last 8 years, home insurance has gone up, maintenance repair expenses as wages and supply and demand have been on the rise. And I can tell you it’s a heck of a lot more than 4.5%!”
Some readers were quick to point out it’s not an increase of 4.5 per cent but a cap on rent increases. The old cap was four per cent.
SEE RELATED: Tenants union pushes back against B.C.’s 4.5% rent increase
Even so, some readers were not impressed.
Prentice Seigler said “not now when so many are looking for a roof over their families head.”
“NO NOT REASONABLE,” added Leah Bonde.
“I don’t see a 4.5 per cent increase in my income coming anytime soon,” added Brisa Fernandez.
“Exactly,” offered Greg Lundahl.
But they were in the minority.
“If it wasn’t for people renting out part of their homes or their houses, there would be no where to rent!!” said Susan Hodgson Bennett. “We landlords are not required to provide housing for people, but we do. Just like everything else in this world goes up so does the cost of living. Why is there so much anger towards landlords who are providing you a place to live. It’s not up to us to carry you.”
Naiomi Laughland fired back: “You just do? Out of the kindness of your heart? You landlords are not required to provide housing for people…you just do. Hmmm that’s a good one. You do it for money, that’s it.”
Hodgson Bennett did go on to say that as a landlord she does try to keep her rent affordable but her costs are going up, too.
“I shouldn’t have to struggle with my cost of living to help out my tenants. I’m doing the best I can to provide affordable housing but need to maintain a nice place to rent, which costs me plus all the increases,” she said.
READ MORE: B.C. rent increase can’t go over 4.5% next year
sarah.simpson@cowichanvalleycitizen.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
