This is the first piece in a series to highlight real life issues for renters in Pasadena. This series is presented in association with Pasadena Tenants Union.
RENTING IN PASADENA (1)
E. Washington Boulevard in Pasadena (Photo – Emmanuel Krauletz).
Pasadena is my home. I have lived here for 51 years and in my current location on Washington Blvd. for 17 years. I am a retired vocational nurse who lives on a fixed income. I also have cancer so I am concerned about my health needs and my housing.
By Chris Annek
Chris Annek
In October of 2014 my life changed rapidly. I was working part-time as a nurse. When I didn’t come in to work for 4 days, a concerned co-worker came to my home. I had passed out in the bathroom and had been lying there for four days.
I was diagnosed with cancer and I have been on cancer therapy ever since. I can no longer work. Being home alone is isolating so as an antidote to my isolation I socialize at Friends In Deed and attend a prayer group at Trinity Church.
The landlord of our bungalows was a kind man renting to seniors on fixed income. The landlord-tenant relationships were good until his family took over the management of the buildings.
The landlord
…was a kind man
renting to seniors
…until his family
took over
In December 2016, I received a letter “Notice to change terms of tenancy” that would increase my rent by $135. 5 months later I received another notice of rent increase of $60.
It was unexpected so I wrote a memo with my monthly rent check saying that the excessive rent increase has upset me and the situation is concerning. What is going to happen next? This has been my home for a long time. There was no reply to my letter of inquiry.
The unpredictable nature of my tenancy has caused me great stress. Living alone, I have had to go it on my own. I was happy to find the Pasadena Tenants Union; they have given me support regarding the unpredictable nature of my living situation.
I am preparing for my passing. My caseworker suggested I place a large sign in my bungalow that says DNR (do not resuscitate). I have done that. But what about my housing? How can I live in peace if my housing is at risk due to excessive rent increases and no Pasadena laws to protect my housing?
Tomorrow: “Pasadena Is My Heritage.”
> You may also want to check: - RENTING IN PASADENA (4) – Patti Tippo - RENTING IN PASADENA (3) – Robert M. Roberts - RENTING IN PASADENA (2) – Krystal Lopez Padley - RENTING IN PASADENA (1) – Chris Annek
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