Understanding how some people become homeless

[Debp]

6 minutes ago, Neighbor said:

The problem is one simply cannot rent as a long term plan. Hard reality is owners of their residences get tax breaks that renters ( And landlords) do not. Unfair? Yes, but also reality. 

Everyone has to deal with reality with what is, not what what one wishes things were instead. Reality is a hard task master. So what has history to remind us? There was a time not so long ago that there were factory owned row houses,  there was and still is the time of hot sheets living- sharing  housing and beds three shifts a day.

Today nobody wants low income housing anywhere near them for low income housing also means crime. And so we end up with sidewalk living, ... and crime.

Inflation is the real enemy I suppose, and it is just going to get worse.

"And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”

All one can do is their own personal best even as inflation chews away, ever multiplying  exponentially.

 

At 74 I don't want to buy anything.  I never dreamed Los Angeles would become so unaffordable.   Until the last 15 years or so, the rents were in keeping with incomes. 

Much city built affordable housing in Los Angeles is very nice looking buildings with pools, etc.    Some of the luxury buildings are required to set aside some affordable housing apartments.   But there are long lists I understand.

Some time ago I was talking to a man waiting for the market shuttle van to take us home.   I was talking about the rent increase for that year.   At that time I was paying over $1000.   He told me he was on section 8 and I think he said he paid about $112 a month.    He told me it was a brand new building with pool and all amenities.

I was shocked at the little he paid.

 

[Neighbor]

59 minutes ago, Debp said:

 He told me he was on section 8 and I think he said he paid about $112 a month.    He told me it was a brand new building with pool and all amenities.

I was shocked at the little he paid.

Yep, it is amazingly crazy! The new units have granite counter tops in the kitchens the nicest of appliances etc.

Back in the 1980's at Los Angeles-San Pedro area I rented while trying to sell my Florida home. Rent was $2,400 for a condo unit. Rent increases in those days were 10 to 20% increase per year. My original little Cypress Ca home a $24,600 purchase when I bought it  last sold for $790,000 some few years ago now. Never did sell my Florida home due to providence.

The whole values thing is insanity. I'm locked in  with low property taxation, but a new neighbor will pay more than 5 times what I pay. And yes a section 8 person will get a free ride- if they know how to work the system. Life isn't fair, never was.

I give thanks to God and go about the day best I can on the grand days and the days of tribulations.

May 2025 be kind to you and all here. Personally I expect it to be a very seriously difficult time nationally  and internationally; but we have hope hope that is certain in our lord and savior Jesus. Praise God.

[Neighbor]

8 hours ago, Debp said:

Of course, maybe they would consider retirement funds?

Generally no. It is what will you get this month that counts. Although if one wants to prepay from savings for a full lease term that will likely be accepted. I have had tenants do that in th epast, usually they want a two year lease- which due to inflation and other unknowns puts risk on the lessor. Plus if there is disruption during the time of the lease that is prepaid there will be need to reimburse- it can get dicey.

 

[Neighbor]

On 12/31/2024 at 9:25 AM, Marathoner said:

That's industry-wide, now. The reason is simple: it prevents default from occurring. However, the "catch 22" should be apparent in that, despite that income rule being very helpful in maintaining solvency, it can be a barrier when insufficient income is the reality for some (like our dear sister has pointed out).

This is where rent control and housing subsidy come into the picture. Both make it possible for seniors and the disabled to sustain stable housing. I don't begrudge doing my part to make those subsidies possible but then again, I possess a different point of view than others. I personally know many who benefit from assistance, and they are not undeserving by any means. On the contrary, it's my honor to serve them like I do, and my joy is magnified because I get to do so in more than one way. 

Rent control just forces maintenance deferment. Pretty soon  the management and owner(s) is the evil slumlord. There simply isn't enough of us paying taxes to cover the needs of all those that don't. Everyone just can't ride along on the backs of a few those supposedly evil richer ones.

[Marathoner]

10 minutes ago, Neighbor said:

Rent control just forces maintenance deferment. Pretty soon  the management and owner(s) is the evil slumlord. There simply isn't enough of us paying taxes to cover the needs of all those that don't. Everyone just can't ride along on the backs of a few those supposedly evil richer ones.

Presently there is no rent control in this state, and you describe the situation already: slumlords who don't maintain properties. They're a dime a dozen and I happen to rent an apartment from one. 

Why? Non-existent enforcement of code. Why is code enforcement non-existent? Lack of inspectors and action by appropriate authorities. Black mold... leaking water heaters... HVAC that doesn't work... inefficient sealing... faulty plumbing... electrical problems that cause fires... these are normal here. 

Sure, remove rent control and watch how it doesn't accomplish what industry lobbyists claim. They're paid, so no wonder. Ah, but some believe that they know everything. 

Edited January 2 by Marathoner

[Neighbor]

9 minutes ago, Marathoner said:

Sure, remove rent control and watch how it doesn't accomplish what industry lobbyists claim. They're paid, so no wonder. Ah, but some believe that they know everything. 

How's rent control been working so far?

What cost $30 a square foot to build in 1989 costs in excess of $300 a square foot today; with remodeling, the  upgrading of existing properties costing $600 a square foot. Do the math it takes big money and big money has the reasonable demand that it receive a return on investment proportionate to the risk to be taken. Construction is capital intensive, no way around that. Just reality hitting  the wallet.

All the "caring"  doesn't buy a thing. Not a single thing. Saying I care, or I care more than you care, just doesn't provide the resources needed to meet the needs and desires.

Inflation, lack of resources, and a serious lack of talented workers, all contribute to the disaster that is before us today. In the meantime the world's nations finance today's forever wars with ever less valuable currency.

[NConly]

There also are Cruise ship suites/rooms and hotel rooms for long term rentals

Edited January 2 by NConly
correction

[NConly]

When I first moved to Tn I rented for 5 years. And getting land lords to repair anything was almost impossible. Starting on 01/01/25 Tn passed a law that requires a land lord to provide a maintenance contact up front to tenants.

[Debp]

11 hours ago, Neighbor said:

Rent control just forces maintenance deferment. Pretty soon  the management and owner(s) is the evil slumlord. There simply isn't enough of us paying taxes to cover the needs of all those that don't. Everyone just can't ride along on the backs of a few those supposedly evil richer ones.

It's only the older buildings under rent control here in Los Angeles.    I understand other buildings can give really large rent increases.

 

[enoob57]

I became homeless ever since I was born of God... my body is at home here but I am certainly not!