I find the recent decision by Barcelona’s city council to eliminate all tourist apartments by 2028 to be a bold and impactful move. With over 10,000 licenses set to expire, this decision marks a significant victory for locals who have long protested against over-tourism and rising housing prices. The move comes as a response to the sharp rise in property costs over the past decade, with rental and purchase prices increasing by 70% and 40% respectively.
Barcelona’s socialist mayor, Jaume Collboni, highlighted the importance of ensuring that young people can afford to live in the city, emphasizing the need for a better quality of life and affordable housing for residents.… Continue reading
As the news of the FBI raid on a corporate landlord for 18 Arizona properties continues to make headlines, I am left with mixed feelings of relief and skepticism. It’s a step in the right direction, a crack in the system of rent monopolies that have plagued the housing market for far too long. The fact that the Biden administration is taking a stand against anti-competitive business practices that drive up the cost of living for middle-class families is commendable. But the question remains, what happens next?
The term “rent monopoly” is not to be taken lightly. It creates artificial scarcity, manipulating the demand for housing, and inflating prices beyond reasonable levels.… Continue reading
Living inside a rooftop grocery store sign with a computer and a coffee maker for a year – what a concept. When I first heard about this story, it really made me stop and think about the lengths that people will go to in order to have a place to call home. The fact that this woman was able to create a cozy little space for herself in such a unique location is both impressive and heartbreaking at the same time.
The authorities found an elaborate setup inside the sign, complete with a computer, printer, and a Keurig coffee maker. It’s amazing to think about the resourcefulness and creativity that went into making this sign her home.… Continue reading
The current debate around whether cities can criminalize homelessness and disband camps is a complex and contentious issue that raises important questions about the treatment of vulnerable populations in our society. As someone who works in the construction industry, I have seen firsthand the growing need for solutions to provide long-term housing and support for those experiencing homelessness. The idea of shelters that offer not just a temporary refuge, but a path to rehabilitation, job training, and integration into a community is a promising approach that could offer real solutions to those in need.
However, the recent Supreme Court case surrounding the legality of removing homeless encampments and criminalizing homelessness forces us to confront a moral dilemma.… Continue reading
The issue of rent gouging by landlords and the soaring housing costs across the country are critical problems that are impacting working-class individuals and families. The current housing crisis, coupled with the exorbitant rent prices, is a pressing concern that needs to be addressed urgently. It is heartening to see President Biden taking steps to target corporate landlords who engage in rent gouging practices.
The use of computer-assisted rent pricing tools like RealPage has perpetuated a de-facto collusion among landlords to keep rental prices artificially high, creating an artificial scarcity model that benefits only the landlords at the expense of tenants.… Continue reading
The record number of Americans who are homeless amid a nationwide surge in rent is a deeply concerning issue that I feel strongly about. As someone who works in homeless services, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact that skyrocketing rent prices can have on individuals and families. It is disheartening to witness the increasing number of people who are unable to afford a safe and stable place to live.
I am not surprised by the statistics that show a significant increase in homelessness, as I have seen this trend first-hand in my community. The rising cost of rent is simply not proportional to the increase in income, especially for those working in the service industry.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker