Dear Editor:
I couldn’t agree more about the need for tenant protection in New Westminster. Shielding tenants from “renoviction,” however, is a mere Band-Aid. What we need, and need quickly, is rent control.
Currently, the law allows landlords to raise rent by four per cent a year, which may not seem like much, but it adds up fast. I’ve lived in the same unit for about 10 years. When I moved in, the rent was $550 a month. Now it’s up to $800. Guess how many pay raises I’ve had in the same period. Go on, see if you can guess.
If the city really wants to help struggling residents, a 10-year freeze on rents would be a nice place to start.
Steve Vanden-Eykel, New Westminster
