Letter: Stem the rise in rent

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Affordable housing is a hot topic these days. Some think rent controls or more government housing is the answer. Time to examine why rents are so high.

McLean County landlords face some of the highest property taxes in the nation. Property insurance premiums are very high and rising rapidly. Labor and supplies are double what they were 10 years ago. The majority party in Springfield has a continuous flow of unfunded mandates placed on owners of rental property in Illinois.

These are major factors of why rents are high and rising. We need a better climate for new investment to exist.

After 35 years in the rental business, putting my investment dollars elsewhere sure makes a lot of sense!

Rent controls? That will not work. Never has. Government housing? A limited amount is OK. Remember that taxpayers end up funding the majority of all such housing. More private ownership is needed, but lower taxes and inputs as described above are needed to stem the rise in rents.

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Carl Hinshaw, Heyworth

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