No matter how one labels the arbitrary control of the amount of rent a property owner may charge a tenant for their property, it has ignited a pitched battle rife with misunderstandings. Somehow, the discussion has morphed into class warfare, as opposed to the simple, private business relationship that it really should be.
True, there are government standards holding some purview over these businesses, and there are real issues of human habitability, safety and equal access. But, as one speaker said, “If someone loses their property over this policy, fine, they can get a job like the rest of us … .” This statement shows no understanding of risk; it dismisses the reality that many housing providers are working families and retirees who worked for decades, saved responsibly, and sacrificed to purchase and maintain their properties. These folks should not be punished for providing housing under fair and stable rules.
We are all “tenant advocates.” If not, we all should be. After all, more than one-half of our city’s population rents their places of residence. These are our neighbors, friends, and members of our business community. It is in all of our best interests that renting residents have well-maintained and accessible properties to the degree they can possibly be provided. An artificial price control has not worked anywhere to enhance the rental climate for both renters and property owners, i.e., all of us, while at the same time enhancing adequate housing opportunity…