Deputy Premier: We’re very clear on that. We are not going to bring in rent control
Posted by Tyler Kinch on December 14th, 2007
The Deputy Premier of Alberta, Ron Stevens, has responded to the report from the CMHC of rising rent prices in Alberta with, “We’re very clear on that. We are not going to bring in rent control.”
Let’s show him that we Albertans are very clear on the fact that we want rent controls.
Write to Deputy Premier, Ron Stevens: (I will try and put together a template letter soon.)
calgary.glenmore@assembly.ab.ca
Then print out that email and mail it to him here:
#403 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5K 2B6
Also while you are at it, give him a phone call and voice your opinions on the rental situation in Alberta and why rent controls are needed:
Legislative office: (780) 427-2339
Constituency office: (403) 216-5421
Also join the Facebook group calling for rent controls in Alberta.
December 14th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
Rent controls are a strong incentive NOT to build new rental units. Why should investors in rental units put up money when the government is dictating how to run their business? It brings short term relief and long term grief.
Alberta’s problems are due to a massive boom in its economy. Rent will go down when things cool off. New units will be built to meet demand, provided the government doesn’t take away the incentive to do so.
December 15th, 2007 at 9:50 am
Hi Rabbit,
Right now there is no incentive to build affordable rental units. A typical landlord won’t charge less, if he/she can charge more.
Rent controls are so that landlords can make a profit, while tenants can afford to live.
If you’d like to see how rent controls have worked out in other provinces, I suggest you take a look at this report: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2007/2007-12-13-0815.cfm
November 5th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Rent controls were invented during WW2 as a short term solution to the housing crisis from war. It is not a good long term policy and what your forgetting Tyler is that new landlords will build apartment buildings, or rent out their garage suit/basement, while existin landlords will expand because of the profit opportunity.