The state legislature is again hearing testimony on bills that would reinstitute rent control in Massachusetts.
A ballot referendum banned rent control in Massachusetts in 1994. Bills have been filed since with little support from legislators.
The legislature’s Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government heard testimony this week on a bill that would give cities and towns the option to initiate a rent control program, which would recommend a limit on rent increases to the rate of inflation, with a cap of 5 percent.
Members of United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts (UIA) are in support of the bill, citing exorbitant rent increases on the SouthCoast in recent years. UIA Fall River Community Organizer Tracy Albernaz says if passed, a city or town can create a program assuring a sense of certainty for renters.
At the hearing on Tuesday, Tony Lopes served on a panel representing landlords and said providing renters relief against soaring rents is needed, but bringing back rent control is the wrong tool to do so.
UIA community leader Al Araujo has experienced homelessness due to the high cost of rent. He says even though Fall River remains one of the most affordable communities to live in Massachusetts, those on fixed incomes are finding it harder to pay for housing.
If history is any guide, the passage of a rent control bill by the legislature faces a rough road ahead…unless enough residents understand the issue and get politically involved.
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