By DAVID GREENE

This week we asked readers how difficult it is to afford today’s rent rates in the Bronx in light of the upcoming expiration of the state’s current rent laws.

We haven’t seen any affordable housing in years and it’s kind of sad because it drives out middle-income communities and leaves the city to just rich and poor people. Poor people can get Section 8 or whatever programs there are, the rich are moving into Harlem now. That’s the sad part of this—we’re losing the middle class base.
Ezra Glaser
Van Cortlandt Park South

 

 

It’s very hard, but I’m with SCRIE [Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption] because I’m 74. At 62 my rent got frozen because I’m not rich. If it wasn’t frozen, I don’t think I could pay it. And the cost of food is so high.
(Name Withheld)
Norwood

 

 

 

Rents in the Bronx are very high, that’s for sure. I mean, in another five years you won’t even be able to afford to live out here. Rents are getting just as high as Manhattan and Brooklyn. So the middle class is getting pushed out of Manhattan and they’re going to come to the Bronx. If they migrate this way, what happens to us? We’re left out.
Gilberto Colon
Norwood

 

 

I have to work eight days a week, not seven to pay the rent. Oh, the apartment I live in, oh boy. The landlord keeps asking for more money. It’s too much and our salaries don’t go up.
Gihad Quteibi
Bedford Park

 

 

 

I think that most rents here in the Bronx are fair, but some are too much. I feel it depends on the area. If someone can pay it and it’s a quiet area, then it’s worth it. Honestly, only respectful people can afford a higher rent, so it’s worth the price. But there should be more affordable housing.
Ryan Perciaccanto
Van Cortlandt Park