The Grapes of Rent: A History of Renting in a Country of Owners
Author: By Donald A. Krueckeberg
Date:  May 1, 1999
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In addition to neighborhood antagonism and financing challenges, multifamily housing faces political prejudice. Donald A. Krueckeberg argues that there is a centuries' long political bias in the United States against both renters and rental housing. Although property ownership no longer conveys special rights as it did in years past when only property owners enjoyed full voting and civic participation rights homeownership remains favored through public policies such as the mortgage interest income tax deduction. Krueckeberg suggests that too much social significance is placed on owning a home, stigmatizing those who "don't, can't, or won't buy property." He says federal and state housing policies should seek a balance of rental and ownership choices through incentives that support markets in proportion to the needs and financial capabilities of all consumers.
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