Renters Outlook

In response to the rental issues over the past couple of days, here is another point of view.

I am a renter, who is a good renter, and I have also been burned by some of you helpless landlords. I know there are a lot of people who cause problems, damages etc. But what about us decent people who simply can't quite qualify for a home yet? I am renting and saving up for a down payment, but the housing market makes it very difficult for people who haven't already owned a home.

I also read in the Residential Tenancy Branches website last night that landlords can now ask for a "pet deposit" on top of a renters damage deposit. Not all pet owners are irresponsible. Don't discriminate against all pet owners.

My last rental home I lived in for 4 years. My landlords lived downstairs, and they were sad to see my family move. We moved into a full home so my children could have their own rooms and it did up my rent a lot, but I needed the extra space. Now I also wish I'd never moved.

The new house is great, the new landlord is not. We are still looking for another rental property, but we can't afford $1500 a month plus utilities We have a cat, who by the way has never caused any damage and we pay for vet care, so nobody wants to rent to us.

Too bad us blue collar, hard working, regular people have to pay for the mistakes of others. There is another side of the story for some landlords to consider.

R.W.