patrick.net

When we lived in rent controlled building, our rent was approaching $500/month while new renters were paying over a $1000... that's why we ended up staying there so long, we couldn't get that kind of deal even if we were poor in section 8.

as long as moronic fobs can squeeze their family back home for the millions to be squandered living their American silicon valley dream, it will rise and rise and rise.

On $40k income a family of four doesn't pay federal or state income tax. In fact, they do qualify or are close to being able to get free money from feds in the form of the EIC.

Also, at least in city of LA, they qualify for the low income housing benefits. This is significant. I know that the building next to mine in downtown LA actually is actively advertising for low income tennants...2bd that would normally go at $2300 is advertised at $1400 if you qualify. But truthfully, there plenty of 2bd in ok to slightly bad areas at $1000-1100 per month.

Squatting in East CoCo says

Rent $1400 (average 2 br rent in Alameda & CoCo County $1402)
Live in a cheaper area in a 1 bedroom.

Food $500 (Eatin' cheap)
Eat cheaper. Clip coupons.

Power $100 (A little high for a 2br)
Turn off the air. I live in a house and my average bill is less.

Phones $100 (Home and Cells estimate could be low)
Gotta have a phone.

Gas $160 (30 mile round trip to work @ 15mpg $4/Gal)
15mpg? Dump the SUV. What's wrong with you?

Maintenance $300 (Car & personal)
Smaller cars cost less to maintain.

Med & Hygiene $200 (Work covers insurance)
OK. No choice here. Damn medical bills.

Entertainment $240 (all thats left!)
You can't afford it. Take a walk in the park...the best things in life are free.

Kids $0 (can't afford the time or money)
Total = $3000
Income - Expenses = ZERO. Not counting all of the expenses I left out.

Get a second job. It's not a crime.

Now redo the math.

Raw says

Get a second job. It's not a crime.

Now redo the math.

Or a third. Sleep is so overrated

how about credit cards and other debt PLUS you declare BK every 7 years like clockwork.

If both working people max out credit cards and declare every 7 years on schedule - thats every 3.5 years one is declaring BK and gets a 'fresh start on fresh cards' every 3.5 years.

I bet if done right, you can 'get' more than you 'pay' from cards even with high intrest rate cards. At least in theory. Plus no one can garnish your child support, alimony, or income from turning tricks on the side.

Do like some of the guys I know. Drive a rust bucket, or your dead grandma's old car you inherited, east pasta, don't date women that expect anything from you, stay home allot, live with roommates, and don't get sick.

New renter says

Raw says

Get a second job. It's not a crime.

Now redo the math.

Or a third. Sleep is so overrated

Don't laugh, I know people with two and three jobs. They also don't pay 1400/mth. They rent a room for 300-500/mth. The people getting paid $10/hr send a good chunk of that money back to their families in another country. You will be hard pressed to find someone making $10/hr that doesn't fit this profile.

Squatting in East CoCo says

The answer to my original question would be government subsidies, section 8, food stamps, tax evasion, illicit substance dealing, sharing house and rent with other families, etc.

you mean there are no private jobs to provide incomes and thus rents in the region.. seems that the landlord is overcharging and will go bust very soon...you dont need Govt assistance just let the market find equilibrium.

yes, thats happened before... Landlords go bust/bankrupt.

FortWayne says

When we lived in rent controlled building, our rent was approaching $500/month while new renters were paying over a $1000... that's why we ended up staying there so long, we couldn't get that kind of deal even if we were poor in section 8.

Kind of shoots down the notion that renters are mobile. If to keep your housing costs low, you have to stay put in your rental for years on end.. so much for job flexibility vs. a mortgage.

Because your math is not appropriate for fulltime adult employees.

My kids make $10/hr working part time while they are in school. That's kids working part time. For stuff like video games for the younger kid, saving up for a trip to Europe for the older one.
$10/hr?, -Not adults who work full time for a living.

Uncle Sam recently graduated Berkley and he has deep pockets.

oh please, there are plenty of adults working for ten buck an hour all over the country. they are just smart enough NOT to live in KANIFORNIKA..
sunny