St Paul for Rent Control

Rent Stabilization: Ballot Question Number 1 – what is it, and why does it matter?

Since the end of World War 2, there has been a quiet march forward – the march of property owners, landlords, land speculators, who have gained in power and profitability. Renters? Have been pushed to the side, pushed down, and the rent has gotten too darn high. And for Black, Indigenous, and other renters of color, the situation is worse.

This November, there is a chance to change that. The Rent Stabilization proposal, Ballot Question #1, will give renters one of the strongest protections in the country against predatory landlords. If passed by a majority of the voters, rent increases for all rentals in St. Paul would be capped at 3% a year. That would be a $30 dollar a month increase on a rent of $1000 a month. This would give renters the same stability and ability to plan that homeowners have with their mortgages. This would prevent corporate investors from buying affordable apartment buildings, putting in stainless steel appliances and marble countertops, and raising rent $300 a month. And because BIPOC renters are the most likely to have increases over 3%, this would protect them in particular.

MICAH is proud to have endorsed the Keep St. Paul Home campaign for rent stabilization. Vote YES on Ballot Question #1 to make our neighborhoods and city stronger.