After the Covid pandemic, prices on essentials like gas and food have soared, creating significant hardship for many individuals and families. This has made it more challenging for people to cover basic living expenses and has caused widespread financial strain. In Missouri, this situation is further exacerbated by the state’s decision to allow landlords to increase rent without any limit.

Without a cap on rent hikes, tenants across the state face unprecedented uncertainty and potential homelessness. The lack of regulations on rental increases not only jeopardizes the financial stability of families but also threatens their ability to afford adequate housing. Housing is a fundamental human right, and without essential protections, tenants remain vulnerable to sudden, unaffordable rent hikes that can lead to eviction and homelessness.

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, over 10% of Missouri’s population is at risk of eviction due to high housing costs. Nationwide, at least a quarter of all households spend more than 30% of their income on rent, often skirting the edge of financial disaster.

State legislation should prioritize the well-being of its residents by imposing sensible limits on rent increases. Putting a cap on the amount rent can be increased would provide tenants with greater stability and enable them to plan for their financial futures without the overwhelming fear of a sudden spike in housing costs.

We urge the lawmakers in Missouri to reconsider current policies and take immediate action. Protecting tenants against exorbitant rent increases is essential to ensuring affordable housing for all. By setting an enforceable cap on rent increases, lawmakers will help guarantee a stable, secure living environment for Missouri residents.

Sign this petition to demand that Missouri legislators enforce a cap on rental increases and secure housing affordability for everyone in our state.