• ExLisper@linux.community
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    12
    arrow-down
    3
    ·
    5 months ago

    What does it mean that they ‘paid unaffordable rates’? Are they paying with borrowed money?

    • Ranvier
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      19
      ·
      edit-2
      5 months ago

      It means they had rents that were more than 30% of their income, by this study’s definition.

      • ExLisper@linux.community
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        4
        arrow-down
        10
        ·
        5 months ago

        I’m not saying that rent isn’t high but I don’t like this definition. 30% is not crazy high. I would say 20% is low, 30% is medium, 50% would be high.

        • Ranvier
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          10
          arrow-down
          1
          ·
          edit-2
          5 months ago

          It’s a fairly typical “rule” in personal finance not to spend more than 30% of your income on housing or rent, which is probably why that’s what the study is using. You’re right it is a little conservative, and especially in cities most people have been going over that for quite a while. Some landlords will not even consider your application though if your income isn’t 3x the rent. It’s still a good idea to spend 30% or less on housing or rent, if you have the option. Not everyone does.

    • EatATaco@lemm.ee
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      4
      arrow-down
      2
      ·
      5 months ago

      Wtf? The answer is literally in the first couple of paragraphs. All you had to do was open the article and read for less than 5 seconds.