You may have heard by now about a rent control "compromise" proposal put forth by the proponents of the rent control ballot question. This so-called "compromise" was reached with a tiny cohort of businesses acting in their own interests. Our coalition, Housing for Massachusetts, which is the primary opposition to the rent control ballot proposal, was not included in discussions that led to the drafting of this new proposal.
This revised proposal appears to be a bit more lenient than the ballot question in some ways, but even more strict in other ways. The majority of small property owners are still lumped in with large corporations, and even relaxing the proposed rental cap won't be enough to help these owners keep up with rising expenses, nor will it expedite the construction of more housing, which is the solution to the affordability dilemma for everyone. Per one newspaper headline, we view this not as a "compromise," but as a "negotiated surrender," before the primary stretch of the campaign has even begun. Our coalition reviewed the proposed framework and met with the proponents to discuss our problems with it. SPOA remains against this proposal and will continue its campaign against rent control.
The proponents are pressing the Massachusetts State Legislature to adopt this "compromise" by July 1, otherwise they will withdraw their offer and carry on with their original ballot question. We do not consider it likely that the legislature will act on this new proposal. But if this changes, we will inform you as soon as possible.
SPOA and our coalition have already responded to this "compromise" in the press. Below, you will find a few articles that covered our response in Contrarian Boston, Banker & Tradesman, and The Real Reporter.
Contrarian Boston
Supposed deal on controversial Mass. rent control proposal a mirage
Banker & Tradesman
MACDC Urges Approval of Rent Control Compromise
The Real Reporter
Landlords Refute ‘Compromise’ On Rent Control; Proponents Float Concessions
