The Plight of the Renter: Confused, Backyard Cottage-Deprived, and Clinging to a Union
Updated Below
D-O-double-G: A man for all seasons.
The old adage misses the mark--it's rentin' that ain't easy, as documented in today's Seattle Times. First, Sanjay Bhatt takes a look at the plight of renters whose landlords are foreclosed-upon, and who must pack up and move, incurring costs they can't afford while dealing with un-returned deposits and a confusing thicket of laws intended to protect them.
Then Emily Heffter looks at the proposal to allow backyard cottages, or detached accessory dwelling units, citywide. The city intends the arrangement as a "real-life solution" for those who want to house, say, a Mother-in-law, or who want to make some money for the mortgage by accommodating a slice of the local rental demand. Thing is, not that many renters will be allowed to be so accommodated--only 16 permits have been issued since Southeast Seattle was allowed to have the units in 2006, and the new permits will be limited to 50 a year. The killer is that they require an additional parking space, which many lots won't be able to accomodate. Which of course still doesn't stop the NIMBYs (or NIYBYs, as one commenter puts it (i.e. "not in your backyard")) from crying bloody rezone. "There will no longer be single-family neighborhoods in Seattle," says realtor Chuck Cady. Which is true--if the city issues 50 permits a year for the next 2,000 years, and eases up its parking rules.
Finally, the Tenants Union--the one group whose mission is to educate and advocate for renters--remains endangered. A couple weeks ago, the TU board gave itself until July 16th to raise $25,000, or begin dissolving the organization. Board member Lisa Herbold (also a Nick Licata staffer) says the group raised about a tenth of that--$2,600--at a party yesterday and has an estimated $10,000 more in pledges. Halfway there, with just ten days left, and miles to go before they sleep.
Update: Herbold says the group has raised $16,496, putting it about 2/3 of the way to its goal.
2 comment(s)
Siobhan Ring says:
Thanks for highlighting the plight of renters. The TU helped pass the legislation that provides tenants with some notice before being kicked out after a foreclosure. The organization fights hard alongside people who deserve a fighting chance. It's a tough time, but I believe the organization will survive - and rebuild. I was the Executive Director and an organizer for years - and I know that so many people have personally experienced both the need for the TU and the results that make a difference.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jul. 7 2009 @ 9:18PM
Steve says:
Chuck Cady was ranting at the council meeting this morning, all angry spewing his default re-zone line. He needs a real argument with a chance of success, or he should just shut up
Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 12 2009 @ 5:18PM