A large number of Americans rent their housing from landlords or bigger property owners. In Massachusetts, about 40% of citizens are renting their housing. Currently, there are few laws and programs that monitor the amount that the landlord charges to those who rent, the tenants. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of rent has widely increased and many are struggling to not only find, but keep housing. The state of Massachusetts abolished rent control laws in 1994 but the new Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, is working to bring this back to help those affected by increasing rent costs. 

The minimum wage in most states is nowhere near enough to support one in renting an apartment in the state. The minimum wage is supposed to be what is minimally required of someone to earn in order to survive in the state. Massachusetts minimum wage is currently at $14.25. Given this minimum wage, your gross monthly income would be $2,280. If one follows the rule of only having 30% of your income go to rent, a single individual could afford a monthly rent of $684. The average rent in Boston for one bedroom is $1,700, almost triple what is allotted for this person's budget. This proves that the minimum wage has not continued to increase like the cost of housing, creating a huge gap in the system. 

Due to the lack of control on rent, landlords are free to charge as much as they want. This leaves many unable to make ends meet without relying on government assistance. Housing is a human right, and no one should have to choose between paying rent and buying groceries.  We are asking those in Massachusetts, and the country, to sign this petition to help create affordable housing for all. To do this, we need laws to be passed restricting the amount that landlords can charge for rent. This amount needs to reflect the state's minimum wage so that it is accessible to all. 

While we focused on Massachusetts in this petition, please review the following graphic which shows how much you need to earn in each state in order to afford rent:

Source:https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/how-much-do-you-need-to-earn-hourly-to-afford-a-north-bay-apartment/ 

For more info about Mayor Wu’s work please visit:https://www.wcvb.com/article/skyrocketing-prices-renew-calls-for-rent-control-in-massachusetts/39400970 

For more info on cost of living in Boston please visit: https://bungalow.com/articles/what-is-the-real-cost-of-living-in-boston-ma 

For resources and info on affordable housing in MA please visit:https://www.mass.gov/topics/affordable-housing