The Concord City Council decided to modify rent control measures, increasing the maximum rent hike from 3% to 5%. This decision came after a contentious meeting where residents expressed profound concern over housing affordability. Various stakeholders, including landlords and tenants, voiced strong opinions, with landlords arguing that the old limits were insufficient while tenants warned that loosening restrictions would exacerbate the housing crisis. Amidst the raucous atmosphere, council members weighed the pressures from both sides, highlighting the ongoing struggle between tenant protections and property owner interests projected in California’s larger housing crisis.
"A 3% increase is nothing," landlord John Hemm said, emphasizing the pressure property owners feel under current restrictions.
"Right now the housing crisis and escalating rents have been one of the big drivers of poverty in California," said Greg Colley, highlighting the impact on tenants.
"Do not take away the rent control policy and just cause that we just had 10 months ago," urged Jima Monson, stressing the importance of maintaining protections for renters.
"I was advocating for 5% because I heard from many of the property owners," the mayor noted, reflecting the tension between tenant advocacy and landlord interests.
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