As a resident of Malden, Massachusetts, and like many others in our community, we are finding it increasingly difficult to afford rent. The cost of living is rising rapidly, outpacing income growth for many residents. This situation is not unique to Malden it's a statewide issue that needs immediate attention.

In the past decade alone, rents in Massachusetts has only gone up making it one of the most expensive states for renters, while wages have not kept pace with this increase. This disparity has led to an affordability crisis that affects us all but hits low-income households particularly hard.

Rent control policies are already implemented successfully in cities across the country such as California, New York, New Jersey, Maine, Maryland, Oregon, Minnesota. 

We want to implement rent control in our city then hopefully the state by putting a cap on how much they can increase rent every year and how much landlords can charge.

By implementing rent control laws at the city level but also and across the state as well. We need to make sure the state remains affordable for everyone regardless of their income level.

We urge our local leaders and state legislators to consider this proposal seriously. Our community should be a place where people can afford to live comfortably without the stress of how they are going to be able to afford to pay rent and the skyrocketing rents prices.

Please sign this petition! Everyone deserves affordable housing options.