Columbia Heights News - Washington, DC - Rent Control Reform Passed by Council

Councilmember Jim Graham

Councilmember Jim Graham has been serving Ward One for the DC Council since 1999. Ward One is the most diverse wards in the District of Columbia and it faces unique issues. Councilmember Graham has worked tirelessly as an advocate for the diverse interests of all the residents of Ward One.

In this section we will be posting announcements made directly by Councilmember Graham. Learn how to contact Councilmember Graham or his staff here.

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Rent Control Reform Passed by Council

Written by Columbia Heights News

Wednesday, 03 May 2006

(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.

View the bill online.

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

Comments

Housing
Written by on 2007-08-08 17:20:46

I am interested in housing issues.