I have always been a good tenant, paying my rent on time and taking care of my home. Yet, after many years, my rent was suddenly raised by $300, with the ultimatum to pay or leave within 30 days. This isn't just my story; it's the reality for millions of tenants caught in a housing market dominated by landlords gouging prices.

In our community, and countless others across the country, landlords are buying up properties at an alarming rate. Their monopoly over the housing market is squeezing out families, young professionals, and anyone else seeking affordable living. According to the National Multifamily Housing Council, over 43 million households rely on rental housing. Yet, as landlords continue to snatch each property listed for sale, they limit the availability of affordable housing and drive rent prices to unsustainable levels.

For our community to thrive, we need to implement fair regulations on property ownership and rental pricing. Firstly, there should be a cap on the number of properties a landlord can purchase annually. Secondly, rental prices should be linked to factors such as square footage, ZIP code, crime rate, and property condition. This approach ensures a fairer system that reflects the true market value, not the inflated prices driven by unchecked speculation.

The evidence is clear: studies from Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies show that over 20 million renters are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing. The unchecked hikes in rent not only affect our wallets but also our mental health, job productivity, and community stability.

Sign this petition to urge our local and national leaders to establish policies limiting landlord purchases per year and creating a fair, transparent system for rent pricing. By signing, we can work towards a housing market that supports its residents, not exploits them. Be part of the change for a more equitable housing future.