BOISE, Idaho – For the past few years, the housing market has been a wild ride for renters. Boise was long known as one of America’s most affordable cities, luring new residents from out-of-state statistics supports him.
More than a quarter of Idaho’s growing 1.8 million population is new to the state, according to the University of Idaho, but the affordable share is starting to change as people continue to move.
Deanna Watson, Executive Director Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority tells me that they received an average of 120 applications per day for rental assistance during the month of December.
“We’re seeing landlords raise the rent not only annually but sometimes on 30 days’ notice,” said Deanna Watson, executive director of the Boise City/Ada County Housing Authorities.
A local Boise resident who lives in a senior living apartment told me that she has lived in her current apartment for 3 years, her rent has gone up twice and will go up a third time next month.
“He just sends a letter saying there’s a rent increase here and Housing has 60 days to figure out people’s rent,” said Buffy Jones, a Boise renter.
According to Idaho Code Section 55-307There is no limit on the number of times either Unless there is a provision in the lease, the landlord can increase the rent.
Jones is currently seeking a more affordable unit, but since she receives assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8He has struggled to find a new home.
“It’s a struggle with the cost of food and gas and just your everyday things,” Jones said.
Many people are currently receiving rental assistance through federal funding due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and housing officials say those programs may be hiding a real rental crisis that will occur when the funds run out. may appear.
“We will see a dramatic increase in the number of households who are still not able to stand on their own and pay the costs associated with their rent,” said Dianna Watson.
Funds are still available through emergency rental assistance programBut housing officials are unsure how long the program will last.
