To the Editor:
I can certainly sympathize with Habitat for Humanity’s problems with finding applicants willing to partner with them, accept a quality home with a low-cost mortgage, and provide “sweat equity” by building homes, or by volunteering in the Court House store, the best value bin in our county. As a landlord and a supporter of Habitat by purchasing quality furniture and attending events and fundraisers, Habitat is also a beneficiary in my estate for future generations.
Habitat realized our residents are employed in a low-wage tourist economy fueled by promises and not quality employment, with minimal benefits and affordable health insurance, and sporadic employment in the offseason.
So, the qualifications to apply for housing were reduced. Income limits were vastly reduced for families and mortgages were guaranteed by “silent mortgages.”
Income ranges for families are $34,143 for a family of three and $44,476 for a family of six.
Still no takers, with excuses of “I don’t want to relocate to Upper Township and leave Lower Township. My family and friends are here.” A distance of maybe 20 miles on a clear blue bird day. Or they are not ready to become a homeowner with a quality house, mortgage, utilities and taxes. In my book, it’s called responsibility.
With a stable, low-cost mortgage, low-income limits and a nice house that they will own in 30 years, what is the problem? By having a mortgage it’s their decision and not a landlord’s when and if they decide to relocate and have real ties to the community. As homeowners, they can pass on the house to their children, or even better donate to Humanity, who made this all possible.
But, no they want to rent in an area with limited inventory, the supply of year-round housing is shrinking monthly, rents are trending higher, and the trend is toward Airbnb and seasonal rental homes. Which dictates that tenants will sooner rather than later be searching for a yearly rental that does not exist.
As a landlord, I often confront the same concerns of housing. Quality tenants, who are often very hard to find, are in short supply. Plus, they expect a low-cost rental, with utilities included, cable, Wi-Fi, the latest appliances, and does the house come furnished? Sure, I can provide all that. It will just double the rent.
With other applicants, as soon as they appear they disqualify themselves. With sporadic employment, low or nonexistent credit scores, poor rental history, poor speech, grammar, appearance, and in our violent alcohol and drug-soaked culture, why would I even take a chance? We are becoming a nation of entitled and dependent children who take no responsibility.
Last year, I made a profit of $1,000 on my rental house. Gov. Murphy just signed a bill that I must provide $300,000 in liability insurance. I must provide a copy of my insurance to Middle Township and pay a $75 filing fee. A clerk will spend two minutes copying my declaration and hand me a receipt.
I will be appearing before Township Committee to discuss housing. I am also drafting a letter to Sen. Testa for landlord reform and relief. It is time for reasoned arguments. I predict, without regulatory relief, rents will skyrocket and simply become unavailable. Now, I am on my way to the Restore to pick up that perfect family heirloom.
DAVID ROBINSON
Court House
