Housing Voucher Recipient Fights Rent Hike to Stay in Central Coast
With the current housing crisis comes a crisis in rent affordability. Rising rents across California have affected many, including many individuals on disability with limited income.
Due to her disabilities, Joni Gold was unable to work anymore and lived in Section 8 housing in San Luis Obispo County. To her surprise, she received a proposal of a rent increase by about 250% after submitting her annual recertification for her housing voucher.
Section 8 Housing Affordability Challenged
Joni could not afford the proposed increase in rent and could no longer rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from her savings. To continue receiving Section 8 housing, Joni had to submit her income, expenses, and assets to determine her share of rent for the next year in the annual recertification process. In submitting her information as usual, she was shocked by the drastic proposed increase in rent.
Through a series of emails over the course of a couple of months, Joni attempted to bring down the proposed rent. Joni faced resistance as issue after issue was contested and a resolution was not reached.
CRLA Steps In to Help Recipient Stay in Home of 20 Years
Joni did not want to leave her home of twenty years and reached out to CRLA’s San Luis Obispo office to help challenge the rent hike. Community Worker Aurora Denny arranged a meeting with the Housing Authority of the City of San Luis Obispo and discussed Joni’s case with a supervisor.
Joni shared how as she became frustrated with the repetition of topics she had already covered in the series of emails, Aurora calmed matters down and presented Joni’s case objectively.
In being personally affected by an issue, it can be more difficult to navigate systems as emotions and stress often rise. Joni shared how she had the intelligence to present her case but was too invested to present it well and was thankful Aurora could so on her behalf.
With the assistance of CRLA, they were able to reach a resolution, and settled on a 50-75% increase in rent, as opposed to a 250% increase.
Joni loves being by the water, her small, caring community, and the slow pace of Los Osos, CA. Joni is amazed to continue living in the same place for 20 years with Sage, her emotional support dog.
Joni’s Tips for Managing Rent Hikes
Joni commented that, “CRLA has been invaluable and you shouldn’t have to be railroaded into accepting things that should not rightfully be done to you.”
If you are in a similar situation as Joni, Joni recommends:
- Do not take it lying down
- If you do not have the emotional or cognitive ability to fight it, get help
With CRLA’s assistance to lower her proposed rent, Joni can afford to continue living in her home of 20 years and avoided a possible eviction or other legal actions.
Are you facing extreme rent hikes in rural California but unable to afford a private attorney? Contact us!