Condo Conversions Leaving Seniors Stranded

"In the past few years, condo conversions have sent thousands of Puget Sound renters in search of affordable housing. It's not easy for the young and able-bodied, with a regional vacancy rate at 4.3 percent. For senior citizens, the search is that much harder."

"Frail health often narrows their options to communities where medical services and support are close by. And fixed incomes often limit their ability to put down a deposit, or pay for the move."

"If they live in Seattle, seniors may be eligible for up to $500 in relocation assistance. But Seattle is believed to be the only city in Washington that requires developers to provide that assistance to low-income renters."

"It's easy to see condo conversions as a Seattle issue; about 5,400 rental units have either gone, or are going, condo since 2004."