Renters Not Lower Class

In response to TC's letter, some of us do not rent because we can't afford to buy, some of us rent due to other situations. I have owned a home in the recent past, but unfortunately, my neighbors, who also owned, did not take care of their yards, pick up after their pets, or control their partying. I am sick of renters being blamed for bringing down the neighborhood.

Some of us, like myself, are here on a temporary basis, or are just not in the market for the responsibility that comes with owning a house. It is snobbish and very rude of you to insinuate that because one doesn't own their home, that they do not work hard enough, or that they are a lower class than yourself. (I'm a full time student and work 2 jobs.)

I have rented in Kelowna for years and never once have I:
-had the police arrive at my door due to noise or parties
-missed a payment
- failed to care for my home inside and out (I am known for a perfectly mowed lawn)
-been evicted, I have always made the choice to move on to a different location.

Don't make it sound like owning a home has any bearing on the type of position that one holds socially, I know many successful and wealthy people that rent, the title of renter doesn't change that. Don't be so critical. Renting doesn't mean that you're poor, lazy or less fortunate. It just means that you have a larger goal in life than simple home ownership.

J.R.