Hi renters,

Welcome to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue, we’re talking about a different type of neighborhood group than we’ve discussed before.

While many of the groups I’ve covered in the past have centered on socializing and making change at the local level, the Lookout Mountain Neighborhood Defense Committee provides “know your rights” and Migra Watch trainings to notify people about ICE activity. They’re also operating a book club focused on social justice texts.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood group that’s more explicitly political, this one may be for you.

Hope you enjoy this edition, and I’ll be back in your inbox on June 17. If you know of other renters in your life, do them a solid and forward this their way!

Jessica Swarner

Newsletter Editor, Rent Check PHX

*Paywalled content noted with 🔒

📉 Foreclosures have increased nationally over the last year, but they’ve actually decreased in Maricopa County. (Phoenix Business Journal, 🔒)

🏡 While the housing market is improving in some ways, first-time homebuyers are still feeling boxed out. (Arizona Mirror)

🥫 Thousands of Arizonans have been pushed off food stamps—and now Valley food banks are struggling to keep up. (Axios Phoenix)

🚨 Phoenix police and park rangers reportedly closed all the entrances to a park after closing time except one—boxing in unhoused people so police could run their names for warrants and cite them for trespassing. (Phoenix New Times)

🧑‍⚖️ The city of Phoenix sold land to an affordable housing developer at a discount. The Goldwater Institute sued, saying the city violated the state constitution’s gifts clause. (The Copper Courier)

👷 A new apartment complex with 301 units is being built near Glendale’s Westgate area. (The Copper Courier)

🧳 Now this is a storage hack I’ve never heard before: using vintage suitcases as decor while also hiding clutter. (Apartment Therapy)

This north Phoenix group is building community and teaching neighbors about ICE

people standing around a table full of food items putting food onto their plates

Members of the Lookout Mountain Neighborhood Defense Committee fill plates at a potluck. (Photo courtesy of Leo Solis)

Leo Solis, 21, is a member of local social justice advocacy group Poder in Action.

When Poder presented the opportunity for members to lead neighborhood defense committees—grassroots initiatives where neighbors build support networks so they can rely less on the government and police—Solis volunteered.

He joined three other Poder in Action members to start the Lookout Mountain Neighborhood Defense Committee for people living in north Phoenix.

Leading up to their first event this past March, Solis and the co-leaders created an Instagram account and advertised on flyers. The event, which was held at a member’s home, offered free pizza, child care, and a “know your rights” training.

Aside from the political trainings, the Lookout Mountain Neighborhood Defense Committee has hosted social potlucks where leaders encourage discussion about issues facing the community.

Read the full story

One of our readers asked if I could feature some rental listings that accept Section 8 housing vouchers, so that’s what I’m bringing you today.

I found all of these using AffordableHousing.com, as Zillow does not have a filter for this in its search.

🏠 This three-bed, two-bath near McDowell Road and 91st Avenue was built in 2005 and has a two-car garage. It’s 1,550 square feet and has a playground within the walled neighborhood. The monthly rent is listed at $2,300, without utilities included. The home is available July 2, and no pets are allowed. Tenants rent directly through the owner, rather than a management company, which I know is a desirable arrangement for a lot of you.

🔑 This two-bed, one-bath near 12th Street and Northern Avenue includes a washer, a dryer, and a carport with storage. It was built in 1973 and is 690 square feet. Up to one pet is allowed, with a monthly $25 pet fee on top of the $1,350 rent. The tenant covers electric and gas, while the owner pays for water, trash, and other services. The listing shows an incredibly high security deposit, though, of over $13,000 that’s listed as “negotiable.” If you’re interested in this property, I’d call and see if that figure is correct.

🚪 This three-bed, two-bath is brand new and has never been lived in before. The townhouse near 24th Street and Southern Avenue is 951 square feet and listed for $1,995 a month. There is a fenced-in backyard, on-site parking, and in-unit laundry. Up to one pet is allowed, with no monthly pet fee listed, just a $250 pet deposit. The tenant pays for electric while the owner covers other utilities.

If you come across any interesting, weird, or surprisingly affordable listings that you think should be featured here, please send them my way!

Email here

Listings available as of June 10. I’m not paid to share these listings, but that doesn’t mean I can personally vouch for them. Please do your research before applying and signing a lease!

This is a space to share events that are focused on connecting with community and spending time with neighbors.

If you have an event you’d like to submit, reply to this email or email me!

Here’s what’s coming up:

🗣️ Evans Churchill Community Meeting

When: June 10, 6-7:30 p.m.

Where: Roosevelt Row Apartments lounge, 330 E. Roosevelt St.

“Join us in discussion with Rick Naimark about ASU developments downtown and Roosevelt row CDC with an update regarding upcoming summer small business activations.”

🍦 Phoenix DCC Churn Up!

When: June 14, 11:45 a.m.- 3 p.m.

“Learn how to ride the bus with DCC! Meet at Central Station (between first ave and central ave at polk street) at 11:45 AM. We will catch the northbound Route 0 bus at 11:55 AM and take it up to Central Ave and Colter St to Churn Ice Cream! We can take the bus back downtown or walk a quarter mile to the Central and Camelback light rail station.”

🎤 Roosevelt Neighborhood Monthly Meeting

When: June 16, 6 p.m.

Where: UL2 community room at Second Avenue and McKinley Street

“Our main presentation will be from the Arizona Department of Transportation, who will be presenting possible expansion plans for the I-10 freeway from SR51 thru the Deck Park Tunnel. Also on the agenda will be an update on the planned November 14 Roosevelt Home Tour and updates on local developments. Following the meeting, we will be celebrating our upcoming summer break with a get-together at the Tea Pot, 818 N. 5th Ave., with light refreshments and lively discussion. All Roosevelt residents are welcome.”