Affordability is more complex than just rent
A recent column published in the Kitsap Sun regarding the pressing issue of homelessness and the challenges faced by elders on fixed incomes due to rising rent costs shows admirable concern for the crisis. (“Legislature must allow some local control of rent increases,” Dec. 24) I would like to offer a different perspective on the matter.
I do agree that the increasing number of homeless individuals, including elders, is a concerning issue. The prospect of anyone living in their cars, suffering exposure, or facing despair is something that should deeply trouble us all. However, I believe it is essential to address the root causes and potential solutions to this problem from a balanced perspective.
The column rightly points out that the biggest cause of homelessness in Bremerton and across America is not merely shiftlessness. Many unhoused Americans work full-time, and factors like the fentanyl crisis and the shortage of mental health and drug treatment facilities do contribute to the issue. However, I would argue that it is overly simplistic to attribute the problem primarily to the gap between low incomes and buying power, especially in housing.
It is crucial to acknowledge that housing is a multifaceted issue, influenced by various economic and social factors. While it is true that some investors may increase rents significantly after acquiring rental properties, we should also consider that they invest substantial resources and bear risks associated with property ownership. The idea of imposing strict limits on rent increases may discourage these investments, which can lead to a reduced supply of rental properties in the long run.
Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that property ownership and investment are legitimate aspects of a free-market economy. While it is concerning when landlords exploit the market, we should be cautious about advocating for laws that restrict the rights of property owners, as this could have unintended consequences.
The writer calls for the repeal of RCW 35.21.830, the ban on rent control laws in Washington state, and the enactment of ordinances drastically limiting rent increases. However, it is essential to remember that rent control measures have often been shown to have adverse effects, such as reducing the supply of rental units, discouraging property maintenance, vastly lowering property values, and ultimately harming the very people they intend to help. A more nuanced approach to addressing housing affordability may be needed. Rentcontrol policies often lead to significantly lower vacancy rates and long-term affordability issues.
The column also suggests making companies that build new housing pay for the expenses their developments create and requiring a percentage of new units to be genuinely affordable and Section 8-eligible. While these ideas may have merit, we must be careful not to discourage development altogether, as this could exacerbate the housing shortage problem. I would also like to make it clear that developers do not cause growth to occur – growth is happening no matter what. Kitsap County is home to one of the biggest Navy bases in the country. Whether we like it or not, it will soon expand to become the biggest. People will be moving here and there