Affordable Housing Rent Rises and Availability Decreases in Nevada

A new survey shows rental rates are going up and people are are struggling to find affordable housing across the state. 

The Nevada Housing Division says rent has increased by 11 percent in the last two years.  That's not the only struggle for families with low income, they sometimes can't even get into apartments because of wait lists. 

"Where ever you go, there's going to be a waiting list. It's tough to get into affordable housing," said Michael Blakely,  a resident living at City Center Apartments.

The wait lists are getting longer to grab affordable housing like the Riverside Artist Lofts or the City Center Apartments in downtown Reno.

CJ Manthe, with the Nevada Housing Division said, "They have to wait longer. Maybe they have to stay with a friend or family. Or they have to pay more than really what their household budget can afford."

Even rent in low-income housing is rising and it's something CJ Manthe with the Nevada Housing Division says is a trend likely to continue. 

"The supply has not kept pace with the demand so the prices continue to increase," said Manthe. 

Michael Blakely says if his rent goes up, he plans to try to find affordable housing elsewhere. 

"I can only afford so much. You know, because I am on a budget as it were," said Blakely. 

Over at the Riverside Artist Lofts, the low income rent has made it possible for Ivy Antonowitsch and her neighbors to do what they love.

Antonowitsch said, "With a lower rent, we can afford to focus on our art, rather than trying to work that job and never having the opportunity to express ourselves."

With a growing demand to create affordable housing for seniors, veterans and families, the Nevada Division of Housing is proposing some construction projects. 

One of which is "The Summit Club" planned to be built near the Summit shopping mall for people in the workforce earning up to 15 dollars an hour. 

Manthe adds, "We're able to provide a little bit of some savings for those families so they don't see as big as a pinch in their paychecks. So those working families can afford their housing costs."

The Nevada Division of Housing says they are also proposing a 230 unit apartment complex for seniors in south Reno. These projects are likely to happen within the next year or two. 

2015 Taking Stock Survey: http://housing.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/housingnvgov/content/Public/2015TakingStockForum.pdf