Re: “Tacoma loosens eviction restrictions in attempt to save affordable housing” (Dec. 22, Undertaking Homeless):
Greg Kim writes that inexpensive housing suppliers are struggling as a result of they have to compete with a non-public market the place rents are “abnormally low.” However what, precisely, is irregular about non-public builders constructing and renting flats at costs set by provide, demand and regulatory constraints?
If market-rate rents are approaching these of backed housing, that will point out {that a} mixture of market forces and public coverage has succeeded in producing comparatively inexpensive housing. Quite than treating this end result as an aberration, it might be value asking whether or not the non-public market — when correctly regulated — could be a part of the answer to housing affordability.
Curtis DeGasperi, Seattle
