Story by: Ethan Leckie 

Having a place to live is a person’s biggest need. However, as rent prices continue to rise in Jacksonville, residents are struggling to afford housing.  

Jacksonville’s rent issues are nothing new. According to a recent report from the Jax Housing Project, rent prices in Duval County have increased by almost 40 percent in the last two years.  

As a result, the cost of rent takes a significant bite out of residents’ incomes. Another study done by Harvard University reported that half of Duval County residents are cost-burdened, which is defined as spending a third of one’s income on rent. 

Dr. David Jaffee, a founding member of the Jax Tenants Union, believes that collective action is the key to protecting renters from increasing rent prices and predatory landlords. After heading the Jax Housing Project, Jaffee saw the need for an organization to help negotiate fairer costs of living for renters in Jacksonville.  

Years of rent increases have worsened the situation for residents in Jacksonville. One of these tenants, Em Meurer, rents a home with two other roommates. Because a corporate landlord manages the property, rent is a consistent problem. 

Despite their best efforts, Meurer’s limited income has made it difficult to maintain a quality standard of living. 

“Being a tenant in Jacksonville is challenging. If you can find a place with one or two other roommates, it’s usually in an unsafe side of town. If rent were cheaper, I could find a place just for me and better be able to put my money into the economy,” said Meurer.