Opinion: Even with rent control, ‘I see myself as a future homeless senior’

To the editor: I have written to my elected officials on the issues of homelessness and housing but have been ignored. I am a senior living on a fixed, limited income. I live in a rent-controlled building in Los Angeles and, yes, I am hit with 3% annual increases in my lease. (“How to cut grim homeless numbers: House people faster,” editorial, June 1)

When I moved here in April 2001, my rent was $900 per month; currently, I pay $1,390 (those 3% increases added up over the years). Meanwhile, I do not get increases in my federal pension, and my Social Security has not kept up with the rent hikes.

I see myself as a future homeless senior. My suggestion to elected officials who want to make housing more affordable for seniors and low-wage earners is to eliminate the annual increases allowed by city rent control or cap current rates while they are still somewhat reasonable. Los Angeles doesn’t need another tarp community of seniors.

Right now, my apartment is affordable, but only if my rent stops going up.

Esther W. Hersh, Valley Village

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