Thursday, 02 September 2010

Not everyone wants to own

06/11/2009

Tony Soares should explain in what way owner-occupation means that people are ‘standing on their own two feet’ (Inside Housing,
23 October) any more than someone who rents their home.

I was brought up to believe that being heavily in debt, as most home-owners are, entails a considerable loss of independence. On the other hand, paying my rent regularly in advance means I never owe a penny to anyone.

Mr Soares should also explain why my 1950s council home is supposedly subsidised when the rent I pay amounts to almost double the estimated cost of management, maintenance and major repairs.

What’s more, the total rent for the house over the years has more than paid for its original building cost.

Perhaps Mr Soares means that some entrepreneur ought to be making a profit from it all. But really, why should they?

John Marais, tenant

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