Supporting Rent Stabilization 

a Broader Affordable Housing Strategy

Rent stabilization is a policy tool that limits the annual rent increase landlords can charge, creating predictability for renters while allowing landlords to earn fair returns. Unlike "rent control," which freezes rents, rent stabilization allows for modest, regulated increases.

When implemented effectively, rent stabilization:

• Increases housing stability and affordability
• Reduces displacement and homelessness
• Supports long-term community and family well-being
• Encourages landlords to maintain properties through targeted incentives

While rent stabilization alone may not create deeply affordable housing, it is a critical component of a larger strategy, alongside housing production and subsidies, to maintain livable and inclusive communities. Too many Frederick renters pay over 30–50% of their income on rent, leaving them with little to spare for food, medical care, or childcare. Rent stabilization helps families stay housed and financially stable, reducing the need for public assistance and increasing local economic participation.

Stable housing is associated with:

• Better mental and physical health
• Improved educational outcomes for children
• Safer, more cohesive communities

Advancing Equity, Opportunity, and Inclusion

Rent stabilization helps level the playing field for those most affected by rising housing costs, including seniors, people with disabilities, single parents, low-wage workers, and communities of color.

Rent Stabilization:

• Shields renters from unjust evictions and housing discrimination
• Enhances access to opportunity by enabling residents to remain in their neighborhoods
• Supports vulnerable populations at highest risk of housing instability

Rent stabilization works best when paired with the following:

• Fair enforcement of housing codes
• Incentives for responsible landlords
• Policies that promote new housing construction and affordability

Elected officials and candidates must prioritize housing as a public good. Safe, stable, and affordable housing is the foundation for a stronger, more equitable community.

Measuring the community impact of rent stabilization requires tracking changes across multiple domains, including housing stability, affordability, displacement, health, and local economic outcomes.

Housing Stability & Affordability

• Rent Increase Trends: Compare annual rent growth rates before and after the implementation of the policy.
• Rent Burden Rates: Track the percentage of renters spending more than 30% or 50% of income on rent.
• Eviction Rates: Analyze eviction filings and outcomes by neighborhood and tenant demographics.
• Turnover Rates: Lower turnover may indicate increased tenant stability.

Displacement & Demographic Shifts

• Out-migration data: Monitor whether low-income or long-term tenants are leaving stabilized areas.
• Neighborhood demographics: Monitor changes in income, racial composition, age, and household type composition.
• School enrollment trends: Sharp drops may reflect family displacement due to rising rents.

Health and Well-being Indicators

• Public health data: Link rent stabilization zones to rates of mental health hospital visits, chronic illness, or housing-related health issues (like asthma).
• Education outcomes: Stability often improves attendance and performance in schools.
• Use of public assistance: Reduced housing cost burdens may lower demand for SNAP, TANF, or emergency shelter services.

Economic Impact

• Local consumer spending: Increased disposable income for renters can lead to more spending in the local economy.
• Employment retention: Stable housing reduces job loss and improves productivity.
• Small Landlord Viability: Track landlord petitions for hardship or capital improvement pass-throughs to gauge financial impacts.

Landlord Compliance & Property Conditions

• Code violation trends: Are property maintenance issues rising, falling, or stable?
• Capital Improvement Filings: Are Landlords Using Pass-Throughs to Invest in Their Properties?
• Tenant complaint volume: A signal of program administration quality and tenant awareness.

Public Perception & Awareness

• Surveys: Gather feedback from tenants, landlords, and community members about perceived fairness, housing stability, and quality of life.
• Case studies: In-depth examinations of specific buildings or neighborhoods can reveal the nuanced effects of the policy.

Together, we can make policies that protect our neighbors, strengthen our economy, and ensure every family has a fair chance to thrive.