Are renters really safe?

As a senior renter on the government’s guaranteed income supplement, like all the other seniors on this plan, we are living below the poverty line, therefore if we can find an affordable place to rent we are amazingly happy.

I am one such person and have been living in my little bachelor pad for over 17 years, and even though there have been several different owners, I think I am incredibly lucky that so far I have not been renovicted. My rent was supposed to be increased on July 1, but this week I found a note on my door saying that due to the provincial government’s instructions, the increase will be cancelled until further notice.

At first I was very happy, but when I started thinking about it I got very concerned because it seems to be most of the benefits in the rental situation have been to renters and not those who own rental buildings. When a government is trying to solve an issue, it is wise that they try to do so from every angle. But I do not think this has been the case for owners of rental buildings.

While I consider this my home, for the person who owns this building, it is their income. What is going to happen if they lose more than they can afford? Will we be looking at massive renovictions — huge increases in rents for new renters? Could this make it even worse for renters?

Let’s hope there is some financial aid or breaks for those who own rental buildings before it is too late.

Sue Lakes Cook, North Vancouver