Easthampton tenants speak out against rent increases
Source: MassLive | By Nicole Williams | Special to The Republican
Published: Aug. 23, 2025, 3:50 p.m. | Updated: Aug. 25, 2025, 12:53 p.m.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include a statement from Rowin Capital.
EASTHAMPTON — The battle against rising rents for the residents of Pleasant View Apartments in Easthampton continues as they demanded fair treatment from out-of-town property owners, Rowin Capital, at a press conference Saturday.
The sudden rise in rent came after the 33-unit apartment complex was sold to the New York City-based private investment firm last fall. Residents said they were notified of rising rents upon coming home to notices taped to their doors from the new management company, A Better Way, out of Three Rivers.
The community of residents, many long-term renters who were on month-to-month leases, is made up of public servants such as mail carriers and firefighters and teachers, as well as many elderly residents who are on Social Security with limited income and veterans.
The initial notice gave a 10-day window for residents to sign the new terms, which subjected them to a 34.7% increase in rent.
Kate Zanetta is a teacher in Amherst who has lived in the complex with her daughter for the past six years. She said her rent was initially $1,150, but it was then raised to $1,550, or she would have to pay $1,750 if she didn’t sign the new terms and face eviction. As a single mother tied to the Easthampton community, Zanetta felt like she didn’t have a choice, given the small window of time to find a new apartment, so she signed.
Zanetta said that, as a teacher, she can’t “just work more hours” to make up the difference.
“It’s like quicksand,” said Zanetta. “I was stable, now I no longer have that stability. When my lease is up, I don’t doubt my rent will increase and I won’t be in any position to move.”
In March, the owners of Rowin Capital, Daniel and Joseph Scherban, sent a letter to the residents in an effort to remedy the situation at the complex. They noted the number of long-term renters in the complex and offered a $100 rent reduction for those who signed on for $1,550.
At the time, Joseph Scherban wrote in an email to the Republican: “Our property recently was in the media for a rental increase and new leases that caused concern among our tenants and was communicated in a way that was regrettable and not reflective of our standards.”
But residents said Saturday said they are distrustful of the owners’ intentions.
