Should monthly charges be pegged to the cost of financing, developing, and operating housing, or to household income? Or are there other ways to design how rent is calculated?
Exploring the challenges of defining and implementing fair rent in the U.S., an article from Shelterforce contrasts existing market-based and subsidized models with an alternative approach like Zurich’s “cost rent” system. It highlights the disconnect between rent, operating costs, and affordability, questioning the sustainability of profit-driven housing. The discussion examines cooperative housing models and the potential for decommodifying housing while acknowledging structural limitations within capitalist economies. Ultimately, the article asks whether housing should be treated as a public service, similar to education, and what policies could ensure long-term affordability without reliance on market fluctuations or income restrictions.
Read more at the source link.
FULL STORY: What Makes Rent ‘Fair’
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