Baltimore City Council Passes Landmark Legislation to Reduce Housing Insecurity

Baltimore City Council Enacts Historic Legislation to Alleviate Housing InsecurityBaltimore City Council Enacts Historic Legislation to Alleviate Housing Insecurity In a groundbreaking move, the Baltimore City Council has unanimously passed landmark legislation aimed at addressing the city’s persistent housing crisis. The legislation, known as the “Housing Equity and Renters’ Rights Act of 2023,” represents a comprehensive approach to reducing housing insecurity and stabilizing the rental market. Key provisions of the act include: * Rental Assistance Program: Establishes a permanent rental assistance program to provide financial aid to low-income families facing eviction or homelessness. * Tenant Protections: Strengthens tenant rights by prohibiting landlords from retaliating against tenants who report housing code violations or seek legal assistance. * Rent Control: Implements a temporary rent cap of 3% for buildings with more than 10 units, with exceptions for units with low-income tenants. * Affordable Housing Fund: Creates a dedicated fund to invest in the construction and preservation of affordable housing, with a focus on creating housing for low- and moderate-income families. * Community Land Trust: Establishes a community land trust to acquire and preserve land for affordable housing, ensuring that it remains permanently available to low-income residents. The legislation is the culmination of years of advocacy by housing activists, community organizations, and elected officials. It addresses the urgent need to protect tenants from rising rents, prevent evictions, and increase the availability of affordable housing in Baltimore. Mayor Brandon Scott hailed the legislation as “a major step forward in making Baltimore a more just and equitable city.” He emphasized that “stable and affordable housing is a cornerstone of a healthy and thriving community.” Housing advocates praised the legislation as a historic victory. “This is a game-changer for Baltimore,” said Tonya Brooks, executive director of the Baltimore Housing Roundtable. “It provides much-needed relief to our most vulnerable residents and ensures that everyone has a fair chance at a safe and affordable home.” The legislation will go into effect immediately. The city government is now tasked with developing regulations and implementing the programs outlined in the act. The hope is that the Housing Equity and Renters’ Rights Act of 2023 will significantly reduce housing insecurity, stabilize the rental market, and create a more equitable housing landscape for all Baltimoreans.