WORCESTER, Mass. — It’s no secret that Massachusetts has a housing problem, and with rent control being a likely question on this year’s ballot, it is certainly a hot button issue.
Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a panel Wednesday on that very topic with panelists from different backgrounds like local lawmakers, property managers, and relators. Though, they all had the same stance.
“Rent control hasn’t worked ever,” Massachusetts Association of Realtors Board Member Mike DeLuca said.
There are 351 cities and towns across Massachusetts and with the ballot question being statewide, panelists say it’s a one-size-fits-all proposal which, they say, will negatively impact smaller communities who need new housing but can’t get it because investors will be disincentivized by the proposed 5% cap on rent increases.
However, Conor Yunits with Housing for Massachusetts believes it’ll really be a 2.5% increase which is what he said the annual consumer price index has averaged over the past 20 years.
“We need to ensure that we’re actually ensuring assistance to the people that need it most which rent control does not do and it has never done,” Yunits said.
Though, Jonathan Morales who organizes for Homes for All Massachusetts in Worcester believes rent control is a step toward relief for thousands of tenants who are already struggling as it is.
“Housing is absolutely critical for all types outcomes personally and societally and so I think that this is something that will make a huge difference in the lives of everyday people in this state,” Morales said.
At Thursday’s meeting, the conversation turned personal as Betsy Freedman Doherty, a local realtor who also works for a social service agency, shared what she sees firsthand: people struggling to find housing, many from backgrounds that too often fall through the cracks.
“I see the human side of this and someone better come up with a solution,” Doherty told the panel.
“I know it’s a difficult question and my research says it hasn’t helped other cities, it hasnt’ helped here in the past but my frustration is that nobody has come up with a solution,” Doherty said after the meeting. “As long as people are paying their rent and working, why can’t we provide housing for them?”
Rent control was banned statewide in 1994, though the decision came down to a close margin of 51% in favor of the ban, and 48% against.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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