Does the rent a landlord charges reflect the total cost, taxes, and amenities offered, or simply what the market will bear? That is my question. As I reflect on both the affordable housing issue, and also view the wide discrepancy in rents charged for same/similar rental properties in Minneapolis, I must confess to being confused as to whether or not landlords are even aware of the housing shortage and/or whether they are taking advantage of people financially due to the shortage. Its rare today, perhaps only only outside of Minneapolis, to find a landlord charging 1st month, last month, and a security deposit. In my building, which is studios only, that amounts to a initial cash outlay of $1650. I would hardly call that affectively serving a housing shortage. How many people have $1650(Inner City)to put up for a studio? I also have a problem with the "last Month" amount. You could spend 10 year's living there, and that so called "last Month" amounts to a free, no interest earning loan for the landlord to use as he/she see's fit. Im interested in hearing some comment's on the "Last Month Loan" we give landlords, and whether it should be abolished, or setup as a dedicated interest bearing account they have to maintain. I realize that many inner city landlords(Almost Exclusively Low Income Catering)will say this is justified because they(Tenants)trash, break, steal, or otherwise cause them to have to completely redo the apts once they have vacated. While this may be true, I doubt that it is the rule. I have a feeling, they do it because they "CAN", and there is no legal rule prohibited it or providing guidelines. __________________________________________________________________ Your favorite stores, helpful shopping tools and great gift ideas. Experience the convenience of buying online with Shop@Netscape! http://shopnow.netscape.com/ Get your own FREE, personal Netscape Mail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com/ _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
