We, the undersigned residents of Burlington County, New Jersey, call upon our local government to enact rent control policies to address the ongoing housing affordability crisis in our community.

Background:

Burlington County has seen a significant rise in rental rates in recent years, making it increasingly difficult for many residents to afford stable housing. This has placed a heavy burden on working families, seniors, and low-income individuals, many of whom are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living. Without reasonable limits on rent increases, the risk of displacement and homelessness is growing, threatening the well-being of our neighbors and the stability of our communities.

Purpose:

The purpose of this petition is to advocate for the implementation of rent control measures in Burlington County that would:

Cap Annual Rent Increases: Limit annual rent increases to a reasonable percentage, ensuring that rental costs remain in line with wage growth and inflation.
Protect Vulnerable Residents: Protect tenants, particularly seniors and low-income residents, from sudden and unreasonable rent hikes.
Ensure Fair Housing: Promote fair and affordable housing for all residents, helping to prevent forced displacement and homelessness.
Justification:

Affordability: Rent control will help maintain the affordability of housing in Burlington County, allowing families to stay in their homes and plan for their future.
Stability: When residents are able to stay in their homes without the fear of unexpected rent hikes, communities remain stable, which is beneficial for both tenants and landlords.
Economic Fairness: Implementing rent control will help align rental costs with local wage growth, allowing residents to make ends meet without having to sacrifice basic needs.

Our Request:

We urge the Burlington County Board of Commissioners and local government officials to take the following actions:

Draft and pass a rent control ordinance that sets a fair cap on annual rent increases.
Establish a rental board to oversee and enforce rent control policies, ensuring compliance and providing support to tenants and landlords.
Hold public hearings to gather input from residents and stakeholders to develop effective rent control measures.
Create policies and regulations for going forward for tenants and landlord protection.

Conclusion:

We believe that housing is a basic human right and that every resident deserves access to stable and affordable housing. By implementing rent control measures, Burlington County can take a significant step toward addressing the housing crisis, protecting vulnerable residents, and fostering a thriving community for all.

We, the undersigned, support this petition and urge immediate action on rent control in Burlington County.