MassLandlords Testimony Against Boston Rent Control Docket #0408

On Feb. 21, MassLandlords drafted and filed the testimony below opposed to Boston mayor Michelle Wu’s Docket #0408, which would enact rent stabilization (really, rent control) and tenant eviction protections.

At the Boston City Council rent control hearing on Feb. 22, Tim Davis, Deputy Director of Research and Development, Office of Housing Stability showed how the cap can be disregarded by the rent control board. Public Domain.

The testimony might surprise readers not familiar with MassLandlords’ mission to create better rental housing.

First, we argue that the primary flaw with rent control is its disparate impact on the basis of race. This argument ought to resonate with Boston residents better than the equally valid economic arguments about housing quality and supply.

Second, we point out the corrupting influence of money on this developer-friendly scheme. Developers are exempt for 15 years, whereas landlords who conduct similarly massive renovations are not. Why? Because landlords are not campaign donors, it would seem.

Finally, we show how the council can have a form of rent control-turned-rental assistance that landlords can live with. Under General Law Chapter 40P, towns can reimburse owners for the damage caused by rent control while still giving absolute price locks to residents, if they choose.

Zoning reform and rental assistance remain our primary recommendations in this housing crisis.

MassLandlords remains comprehensively opposed to Docket #0408, which penalizes renovations, imposes rent control boards, and enacts just cause eviction.