Give renters the tax breaks owners receive

Re “San Diego property values are nothing to celebrate” (July 12): With prices of single-family residences going up and putting home ownership out of reach of the vast majority of average citizens, it may be time to consider allowing renters benefits similar to what homeowners receive on taxes via “mortgage interest deductions.”

What if renters could deduct rent paid, either partial or full amounts, from their taxes?

This would encourage saving for a down payment on a home and allow landlords the ability to maintain a reasonable profit due to the higher “disposable income” of a tenant. It would also create new housing starts as they would be more profitable due to renters being able to afford higher rents.

Gary Urtiaga Point Loma