Renters at Fayetteville Senior Living Center Seek Solutions After Major Rent Increase
Residents at Wedington Place Senior Apartments in Fayetteville, Arkansas, are grappling with a significant 50% rent increase that has left many considering alternative housing options. The increase, which will see a one-bedroom apartment rise from 0 to 0 and a two-bedroom from 0 to ,150, has sparked widespread concern among tenants.
Many residents, who rely on fixed incomes such as social security and small retirement funds, fear that the new rent prices will leave them without enough money for essential expenses like clothes, utilities, and food. Lacretia Hall, a resident, expressed her concerns, stating that she “won’t have enough left for clothes and utilities and food and stuff like that” if she is forced to pay the increased rent.
The complex, which was recently sold to an out-of-state entity, will now only allow residents to lease for 6 months at a time. This change, combined with the rent increase, has raised fears among tenants about their ability to maintain their current living arrangements. Rosa Floyd, whose parents reside in the complex, noted that while her parents will tighten their budget to stay at Wedington Place, many other residents may not have that option.
Residents value the sense of community and independence that Wedington Place provides, which includes accessible hallways for exercise and caregivers who visit during the day. Lacretia Hall emphasized that if she is forced to move out, she will miss the community and the support it offers. “We help each other in times of stress or sickness. They’re all there for you, so I would miss that.”
In response to the rent increase, family members of the residents organized an informational session on August 15, which was attended by members of the Fayetteville Housing Task Force. The goal of the session was to provide resources and explore potential solutions for the residents. Rosa Floyd expressed her gratitude for the support and vowed to continue advocating for the residents.
As the residents and their families navigate this challenging situation, they remain committed to finding a way to preserve their community and maintain their independence. The fight against the rent increase continues, and the residents of Wedington Place Senior Apartments will not give up without a struggle.
Renters at Fayetteville senior living center seek solutions after major rent increase.