Calgary renters echo Nenshi’s comments about rising rents
Posted Oct 17, 2014 7:52 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi is accusing Calgary landlords of “gouging tenants.”
On a CBC Radio program Thursday, Nenshi said as a landlord, he hasn’t increased rent in four years.
The city’s rental market is hot right now and it’s tough finding decent, affordable housing, and downtown renters tell 660News, they are frustrated.
One woman, who moved to the city from Medicine Hat a year ago, was surprised saying the rate was much higher than expected.
The majority of Calgarians say it’s all about supply and demand, and the market should dictate prices, not the landlords.
Karen, who owns her home, says there needs to be more protection for those who can’t get a mortgage.
“I think it’s unfair. I think our housing prices are outrageous and young people can’t afford to buy, so they need to rent,” she said. “And if rents keep going up, I don’t know what they’re going to do.”
A pair of people staying at the Drop-In Centre said they were saving their money for something somewhat affordable.
Another man says he feels trapped, but at the end of the day, there’s nothing he can do because he needs a place to live.
