Seniors at Wedington Place Face Uncertainty Amidst Rent Increases
At Wedington Place Senior Apartments in Fayetteville, Arkansas, residents are dealing with significant rent increases that have left many feeling uncertain about their futures. The hikes were announced via a notice on August 6, stating that two-bedroom apartments would see their rent rise from 0 to ,150, a 53% increase. One-bedroom units face an even steeper jump, from 0 to 0, representing a 73% surge in cost.
The shocking increases have left many residents who live on fixed incomes concerned about how they will afford the new rates. For some, the option to move elsewhere is daunting due to the loss of benefits and support networks they have built at Wedington Place. For instance, Rosa Floyd’s parents benefit from the Razorback paratransit system, which enables them to be independent and access the surrounding community.
Worries about affordability are further exacerbated by the new policy of only offering six-month leases, causing even more uncertainty for residents. This change is likely linked to the fact that the complex was recently sold to an out-of-state entity, Ace Telluriede-AR, LLC, registered in April 2024.
Efforts to address these concerns have been underway. Family members of residents, including Rosa Floyd, have organized informational sessions to bring together residents with local housing experts. State Senator Greg Leding, who attended one such session, emphasized the need for change, stating that Arkansas is the “worst state for renters in the country.”
As resentment grows, seniors continue to express their anguish about the rent hikes, which they feel are unfair. For Trevva Janson, who has lived at Wedington Place for over eight years, the new prices make staying at the complex unsustainable.
Well-organized community efforts will be crucial in helping residents find solutions and advocates to support them through these challenging times. Until then, the uncertainty and fear of losing their homes weigh heavily on the seniors at Wedington Place.
