WCNC Charlotte: “Dozens of people confronted Charlotte corporate landlords demanding affordable housing as rent prices continue to skyrocket in the Queen City.
Protesters gathered outside the office of Invitation Homes, a corporate landlord that manages properties in the Charlotte area to say they’re angry and fed up with rising rent prices and subpar maintenance standards.
“Housing is a human right,” the group chanted, demanding fair housing. “We won’t leave, we won’t leave.”
The renters caused a commotion, catching the attention of many people, as well as Charlotte-Mecklenburg police.
“The problem is growing and if we sleep on this it’s going to be like 15 years ago, with thousands of people without housing,” Erick Exum, the national director of the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, said.
Attendees say North Carolina has a corporate landlord problem. The group says these property firms gobble up houses, preventing first-time homebuyers from having a chance. Some say there are poor living conditions at rentals, which burden tenants.
“Our rent keeps increasing lease after lease,” Jake Limberger said. “It’s unfair and unjust.””