RENTERS AGAINST RENT CONTROL in Monterey County, CA, who understand the unintended consequences of rent control measures are concerned. While these policies are intended to protect renters, they lead to detrimental outcomes such as reduced housing availability and quality. In cities across the country, from San Francisco to New York City, rent control has been shown to decrease the quantity and quality of housing stock. Monterey County is not immune from these effects. The implementation of rent control measures could discourage property owners from renting out their properties or investing in maintenance and improvements. Merely the threat of rent control could have the same detrimental consequences. For example, rental registry ordinances may be perceived as a threat of future rent control policy.

Informed renters in Monterey County who understand the unintended consequences of rent control understand that the high cost of rentals is due to the shortage of available units relative to demand. We understand that there has not been enough development. We understand that rent control will make the shortage of units worse than it would otherwise be. We understand that the quantity and quality of units will be diminished. We understand that while rents on controlled units will be held artificially low, even if temporarily, uncontrolled units will become more expensive as a consequence. We understand that rent control policies pit renters against those who want to be renters. Renters understand that while some renters might enjoy a capped rent in the short term, renters in uncontrolled units will suffer higher rents. They also understand that in the longer term, the diminished quantity and quality of units is an undesirable outcome for renters.

The City of Monterey passed a rental registry ordinance. The City of Salinas passed a rental registry ordinance and is exploring a rent stabilization program. We call on our local government officials in Monterey County to avoid and reconsider rent control measures and rental registry ordinances. The signers of this petition are RENTERS in MONTEREY COUNTY and we ask that:

1. Salinas City Council discontinue any efforts towards a rent stabilization measure.
2. Salinas City Council repeal its rental registry ordinance.
3. Monterey City Council repeal its rental registry ordinance.

Please sign this petition if you are a RENTER in MONTEREY COUNTY and you are against rent control and rent stabilization policies.

(If you are NOT a RENTER in MONTEREY COUNTY then please DO NOT sign the petition. We want to insure the integrity of the petition. This petition is specifically for RENTERS AGAINST RENT CONTROL. What you should do if you are not a renter is share this petition on social media and with renters who understand how rent control is harmful to them.)