Tell officials to help tenants

To the editor:

The Census Bureau has just released its Housing and Vacancy Survey for 2011 to 2014. It will be used as a guide for New York City’s housing laws and regulations to be released by Albany on June 30. The survey shows that rents have risen faster than inflation these past three years. When utility costs are factored in, the median rent in the city rose 4.3 percent, to $1,325 per month.

Thirty percent of all renters were considered “severely rent burdened,” meaning that they spent more than half their income on housing and could not afford the other necessities of life. Many seniors were in this situation — as were families with children. 

Landlords and tenants are preparing for battle in Albany as the legislators consider whether to strengthen rent control laws or even whether to refrain from any rent increases at all this year.

Many of us have a personal stake in this issue. Let your legislator know your opinion. Voters’ concerns matter. The time is now! 

The Social Action Committee,
Riverdale Senior Services