Letter to the Editor: Not all landlords are wealthy

Dear Editor:

What is it with this continuous assault on landlords? Do people seriously not realize that housing is simply a business like any other business?

For example, my elderly parents desperately rely on the small distribution of a very large apartment complex, to live on. Their monthly distribution just barely covers their living expenses. Without that payment they cannot cover the retirement community home payment and other food, medical, prescriptions and personal expenses.

Please give renters in need government rental assistance. Legislators think landlords are funding sources. It’s not true. They are my parents, they are our community seniors, they are regular people just like you, and their paycheck is as critical to them as everyone else’s.

Let’s be fair to everyone in this crisis and offer relief to those in need through general funds. My parents, as well as many very worthy landlords, are worried and becoming depressed and even despondent. They too are seeing their livelihood being diminished, and instead of aid, they are being asked to contribute, not only their income source but their own remaining savings to maintain their business and provide for the ongoing needs of their tenants.

Let’s be fair and move away from blanket preconceived beliefs and realize landlords are just people too. Please don’t drive them into despair. Please help them too.

Jim Rodriguez
Downey