Aylward: Rent Control

Rent Control by Deborah Aylward

It was likely hard enough to find an affordable place to rent in Danbury, but how hard will it be to keep your housing if Article 4 on the ballot passes, and landlords increase rents accordingly? As a registered voter, you DO have a say in controlling your rent by Voting 'NO' on Article 4 to fund a $3M, 20-year bond for a firehouse and police station.

Consider this: 1) Low population, service calls, and crime rate do not support the need for a $3M project 2) Rents in Danbury could increase by hundreds of dollars per year if Article 4 passes.

If not registered, it should be in your best interest to do so and to take about 30 minutes of your time on Tuesday, March 12th to Vote ‘NO’ on Article 4.

As a state legislator recently hearing testimony relative to the housing crisis, a witness stated that her rent went from $900 to $1,600 per month in five years.

From The New Hampshire Bulletin: "A new Harvard study found that half of U.S. renter households now spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent and utilities. And rent increases continue to outpace their income gains.”

So don’t let this opportunity to control your rent pass you by!

Tell the Town that Article 4 is not affordable for the average renter in Danbury.

Vote 'NO' on Article 4! Tues. March 12th, 11:00 am to 7 pm at Town Hall.

Deborah Aylward is an engaged citizen and resident of Danbury, and a state lawmaker.