New York, NY—One measure that is often overlooked by affordable housing developers is the lack of financial stepping stones for low-income tenants as they try to move up the ladder and how these deficits can hold them back.

"There is no middle income for most of these affordable housing tenants," says Heidi Burkhart, president and owner of Dane Real Estate, a New York brokerage firm. "There are no stepping stones from low-income to middle income and we need to provide these individuals with resources because major rent increases, such as going from $600 per month to market rents of $5,000 per month, are not truly fair or affordable," she tells GlobeSt.com.

Conversely, even small changes in these individuals' careers or lives could potentially equate to more income, which could mean losing their subsidized units, she notes.

Affordable housing tenants tend to become nervous about the thought of losing housing and will delay progressing in their career because they fear reporting their higher income. Furthermore, the homeless need housing as well but no one is moving out of the low-income units to make space for them, Burkhart says.

Affordable housing costs are challenging to not only low-income people but also for moderate- and middle-income families and individuals.

"We need more affordable housing opportunities that are truly for those with middle-class incomes in New York City," says Burkhart. "It goes without saying that most NYC tenants feel they are or will get out-priced. Until residents collectively take a stand, rents will continue to rise. If demand exists while there is a lack of supply, rents will also continue to increase."

Instant Insights /

Why Low-Income Tenants Don't Progress Up the Financial Ladder

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