Rent Control is not the solution.

By Marland W. Townsend

In times of prosperity the Foster City Council hears requests for Rent Control. Stopping "landlord greed" is the justification. Rent Control is not the solution.

The City Council works through the Tri-County Apartment Association to assure that apartment owners hear renter's complaints. Negotiated agreements are the only realistic solution, and the City Council can assist. The Tri-County Apartment Association provides forms that renters can use to report excessive rent increases. Tri-County will work with the apartment complex owner to reduce excessive rent increases. The City can provide mediation services between the residents and apartment owners should mediation be needed. The City can also intervene in any health and safety issue created by an apartment owner who fails to comply with health and safety codes.
Occasionally, the Council hears both veiled and naked threats of political action by distressed renters. I want to make it absolutely clear that I will not support Rent Control, and it is my understanding, based on City Council actions, that there is no support for Rent Control by this City Council. Nor will I participate in action that implies the possibility of Rent Control in Foster City. Such action would be disingenuous. There is absolutely no evidence that rent control has ever worked in any city over the long term. There is abundant evidence that rent control leads to decreased property values and decreased housing availability.
Property tax is the largest of Foster City's multiple sources of revenue. Property tax revenue increases at over 10% per year because Foster City provides an exceptionally desirable place to live for all residents. Rent Control will destabilize the financial balance that provides the outstanding services that all residents enjoy but will do the greatest damage to property owners who pay the highest property taxes.
I will oppose any meeting that encourages renters to seek Rent Control or implies City Council support for Rent Control. Any meeting based on this premise is misleading and not in the best interest of our City.

Marland Townsend, Mayor