[Mintwood-place] CM GRAHAM: Rent Control Reform Passed by Council

[Heymann, Alan (COUNCIL)]

(Message from Councilmember Jim Graham)

Dear Friends,

The DC Council unanimously passed on first reading the most significant
reform of the District's rent control laws in more than 20 years. The final
vote on this measure will occur in June. I was the primary author.

Affordable rentals are vanishing in our city, especially in areas where real
estate prices are soaring. We've seen the $1,800 a month "rent-controlled"
one-bedroom apartment - that's a clear need for the reforms we passed today.

The bill is a consensus measure reached during negotiations that began last
November. Ten separate negotiating sessions were convened, with tenant
groups, housing providers, and the Mayor's administration. 

The tenants have won a major victory here. Strengthening rent control is the
best way to protect affordable housing - and we've done it.

The reform bill will mean lower and less frequent rent increases on occupied
and vacant apartments. Rent ceilings are abolished, but the elderly and
disabled are protected.

Here is a detailed comparison of the reforms considered today with the
current law: http://www.grahamwone.com/rentrontrol

View the bill online:
http://www.grahamwone.com/downloads/16-109-substitute.pdf

The legislation, originally introduced as B16-457, passed as an amendment to
B16-109. The amendment was co-introduced by all five members of the
Committee on Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, which I chair. It affects an
estimated 100,000 apartments in District buildings constructed before 1975.

Bests, Councilmember Jim Graham






Alan Heymann
Director, Constituent Services
Councilmember Jim Graham
aheymann at dccouncil.us
www.grahamwone.com