Lowering rent is the obvious answer

Regarding the May 26 article, “Rent incentives”: Of course landlords should lower their rent!

Consider this: Economists will tell you that to be financially healthy you should not be paying more than 25 percent of your income for housing. Using the figures in the article, this means that you need to make at least $3,032-$3,208 a month to even be able to afford to live in this area.

Also, consider this: The numbers quoted are for the “average” rent. This means if you are single, you will probably get off easier. But if you have a family that requires a three-bedroom apartment (or larger), then you’re really out of luck. My family and I live in a three-bedroom for which we pay $950 a month. And if you look in the apartment ads, you will see that $950 is the low end for a three-bedroom.

So, forgive me if I have no sympathy for property owners who whine, wheedle and cry about not being able to attract tenants. Their over-inflated prices simply are an unrealistic grab for every dollar they believe they can squeeze out of the market.

Everett

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People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
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