Residents make plea for rent control as housing costs soar

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — As rental rates reach unprecedented levels in South Florida, the calls for rent control are growing louder.

But some experts say it would only make matters worse for renters and those looking for housing.

Linda Selden can’t afford a rent increase and is facing a tough situation.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do. I don’t know where I’m going to go,” Selden said. “I’m taking tranquilizers. I can’t sleep at night. I’m terrified of what’s going on here. It’s horrifying. It’s scaring me.”

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She lives on a fixed income at Sealofts at Boynton Village in Boynton Beach where her rent is increasing upwards of $800 — a 60% spike that she can’t afford.

“I’m borrowing money from friends to pay the difference,” Selden said. “I…