Massachusetts Renters Push for Ballot Initiative To Cap Rent Increases at 5%

Dozens of Massachusetts renters gathered outside the State House on Tuesday, April 7, to advocate for a proposed 5% cap on annual rent increases. Supporters for the rate cap want to see it go before voters in November.

For a $2,000-per-month apartment, a 5% cap means a maximum monthly increase of $100. According to a recent rental report, the average cost for rent in Massachusetts is over $2,300 for a studio apartment.

Boston 25 News spoke with advocates of the proposal. They say rent control would help maintain housing stability amid rising costs. Opponents warn it could slow new construction and discourage property repairs.

“We know that rents are skyrocketing, and with everything happening that's going on in the world right now, people need stability. They need to stay in their own homes,” said Cole Gibson, organizer director at Reclaim Roxbury, during Tuesday's rally.

“I'm hoping people will understand the situation that renters are going through. We don't have many choices. It's a hard situation because I think everyone needs a place to call home,” said Dorchester renter Sandra Ramgeet.

Julianne Hester is a member of Housing for Massachusetts, the ballot committee formed in opposition to the rent control ballot question in Massachusetts.

In an email, she stated that the ballot question would cap rental rate increases at the rate of inflation (as measured by change in CPI) up to a maximum of 5%. "Based on the average change in CPI over the last 20 years, 2.58%, rental rate increases would be capped in practice far below 5%," she said.