Tampa Rejects Rent Control, Citing Legal Concerns

The Tampa City Council decided not to pursue rent control measures despite ardent pleas from local housing advocates, reports Justin Garcia. Councilmembers expressed concern about the legal hurdles involved in instituting rent stabilization.

"Councilman Bill Carlson instead proposed an ordinance that would require landlords to give six months notice before increasing rent, which will be discussed at a council meeting on April 21." The council also plans to hold another workshop and distribute $1 million in rent relief on March 1, but the protesters present at last week's council meeting said this doesn't do enough to mitigate the urgent crisis facing Tampa residents, many struggling to pay rising rents on a fixed income.

According to the article, "In order to pass rent control, city council has to declare a housing state of emergency by proving there is an emergency through a study, then put a ballot measure up for vote from the public on whether or not to approve rent control. If the measure were to pass, under current state laws, the city would have to do this every year."