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Balancing Rents and the Housing Shortage

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Dear Friends,

The County Council is deliberating a pair of proposals that would limit rent increases in an effort to protect tenants. I was proud to support legislation to prohibit significant rent increases known as "rent gouging" coupled with additional investments in rental assistance and financing new affordable housing units that must be part of any successful affordable housing policy.

This comes after a period of rising rents and reports of double-digit rent increases amid high inflation and the end of the County's COVID emergency rent stabilization measures. Fortunately, there is evidence that rental prices are finally starting to decrease from pandemic highs. Median rent increases in Montgomery County from 2015 to 2022 ranged from 0% to 2.6% even with the examples of double-digit increases.

We also know that in order to achieve more affordable housing, we need more housing. It's a supply and demand issue that requires us as policymakers to be careful when considering mandates or controls on the housing market that make it more expensive and harder to finance the construction of new housing. That's why I oppose a stricter rent stabilization option being considered by some on the Council to restrict rent increases to six percent or lower, depending on that year's regional inflation rate. The proposal also would apply this stricter rent increase cap to individual residents who rent out only one or two units in their homes, severely harming an important part of the overall rental market.

We have already heard from many with different perspectives on whether we should have rent control or how strict that policy should be. This issue is heading to the full Council for final deliberation, so please don't hesitate to reach out again or for the first time with your thoughts at councilmember.luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov.

TONIGHT! Public Safety Town Hall

7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. in the Sherwood High School cafeteria

I'm looking forward to tonight's town hall and hope to see you there. If you can't join us, check out a recording of the meeting that we'll be posting in the coming days.

July 4 Events and Safety Reminder

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the July 4 holiday right here in Montgomery County.

Start things off July 3 at The Family Room in Laytonsville. Join Montgomery Village on July 4 for its annual celebration, parade, and 5K race. Catch fireworks the night of July 4 at the County celebration in Germantown or at the City of Rockville's annual event.

Please remember: All fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County, except for those shows that have been licensed and permitted in advance. Please stay safe as you celebrate next week!