Aubree and Oscar Petersen moved to Sacramento two years ago, putting the higher prices and worries about crime in Los Angeles in their rear view mirror.
Still, it was a gamble for the Petersens and their young daughter, age 5 at the time. The apartment complex that had accepted the family’s application suddenly wanted double the previously agreed upon deposit a week before they were to move in, upping the total cost to about $4,000.
The family moved into a modest hotel as they looked for permanent housing, while Oscar, a meat cutter for a supermarket, settled into his job. Their funds evaporated quickly…