As of today, we have 4 months searching for an apartment. Our rent at the moment is at 50% of the asking price for a 1 bedroom today in the Essex County. Mind you, I reside in the section of Methuen that you hear people call "the Lawrence section of Methuen" (which results in the reason why my rent was affordable). The same place where it only takes three minutes walking to beautiful loft buildings asking for a 47% increase of my rent to have an apartment with one bedroom, living space, kitchen, full bathroom, and 1 off street parking spot, no pets; in Lawrence. Which is also only a 6 minute walk to a diesel infested Broadway. Granted, the law has cracked down greatly on the citizens we have roaming around high like zombies near our children. However, it can't be abolished, it happens all day, every single day. You have very great landlords that are all about their tenants, provide affordable housing for them, and also typically do not have issues fixing things even without it being addressed. You have very good tenants, whom because are provided with affordable pricing, do not fail to pay rent, although life does happen, but you also have landlords where their only interest is "their profit". It has gotten to a point where apartments in Lawrence (even in the very undesirable sections) have risen their rent as well by nearly $400.00, never mind the many people out here that actually have 1, 3, 6 children in this city. They have the responsibility of providing while prices inflate on everything, including a roof. I've seen APARTMENTS of 3 bedrooms (second and 3rd floor together) for $950.00, washer drier hookups, small yard, no utilities included; and i have also seen 1 floor, 3 bedroom houses rented at $1300.00 with some utilities included and parking, and washer/ drier hookups. I have also seen 2 bedroom apartments for $1300.00 hot water only, no parking. At which point we can just go to the lofts and pay 25 dollars more for a one bedroom with amenities. We have people with section 8, receiving section 202 assistance, and etc,  who are receiving help and still struggling. We have people that have never qualified for assistance struggling worst. We have hard working decent people losing their homes of nearly 15 years. To top off losing their homes they also have to lose pieces of their family when no pets seems to be a trend and very few are pet friendly even for a fee. I believe I speak for many and not just my self when I say that some sort of Justice is necessary to help maintain the stability of many out here. We have endless amounts of people living under the bridge because they can't even afford to live in 4 walls; people doubling up in homes to help their families and friends. Shelters sound very easy but they only are allowed a number of people because that too is funded. The rent being asked for out here is ridiculous, even for a person who works 2 full time jobs. We are looking for a fair rent market. For prices to be in accordance with location, quality, size, and the accommodations offered.