Dozens of rental homes for middle income families sit vacant - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

Dozens of rental homes for middle income families sit vacant

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By Danielle Thomas - bio | email
Bethel Estates includes 70 rental homes for middle income families. The property managers said right now only about half of the houses have tenants. Bethel Estates includes 70 rental homes for middle income families. The property managers said right now only about half of the houses have tenants.

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PASS CHRISTIAN, MS (WLOX) -

A Pass Christian development meant to ease our post-Katrina housing crunch is facing a shortage of applicants. Bethel Estates includes 70 rental homes for middle income families. The property managers said right now only about half of the houses have tenants.

Some of those tenants believe the problem is not enough advertising.

Before the Colsons found just the right house for their family of six they looked at a lot of rental homes in Pass Christian that were either too small or not within their budget. Finally, they took a chance and approached a stranger's house in the Bethel Estates.

"We ended up having to like knock on somebody's door to see how to get the information," Stephanie Colson said. "Then after she gave us the information, the whole process went, like, completely easy."

The Mississippi Development Authority funded Bethel Estates to help middle income families get back on their feet after the hurricane.

"Stainless steel appliances. Washer and dryers. Carpeting. Tile floors," said Property Manager Diane Stubbs. "Laminate hardwood in the living room, four bedrooms have three full baths and same amenities. And right now we have a bunch of them open.

Rent is $850 for a three bedroom and $950 a month for a four bedroom. People who want to live in one of the homes must meet income requirements.

"If you're not receiving Section 8 or any type of housing assistance from a housing program such as Bay Waveland or Mississippi Regional, your income has to be at least $31,000 a year," Stubbs said.

The Colsons said what Bethel Estates needs is more promotion. The family is getting knocks on their door now from people wanting to know how to go about renting a house. 

"It's affordable. They're very quiet and I can't believe they don't have more of these rented out," said Colson. "Every time somebody comes over they're like, "'Oh, man those are nice.'"

Bethel Estates requires a $300 deposit and officials said they run credit checks. Bethel Estates is holding an open house on October 27th from 1 pm to 3 pm. For more information call (228) -452-4016.

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