No emergency measures for rent increases in Lafayette

  • 2015-05-23
The Lafayette City Council has failed in its attempt to enact a moratorium on rising rents, but will try again.

Lafayette City Council has been trying to rein in increasing rent levels in the city, but so far has not been successful. It is, however, in the process of preparing a draft moratorium, which might be used at a later date.

Last month, the council considered enacting an ordinance that would temporarily ban increases in rents. A recent vote failed to pass, but at a meeting next Tuesday, May 26, the council will discuss a temporary measure banning rent increases for those housing complexes with more than 30 units.

Council has taken up the matter following complaints from tenants. One complex in particular had, after making improvements including upgrades both inside and outside its buildings, sharply raised rates and evicted some tenants. In one instance, a tenant of 17 years said his rent had increased by 94 percent in the last five years.

Owners of smaller rental complexes complain that rent control could drive some of them out of business or lead to some property owners providing less maintenance. For those who are considering entering the residential rental market, now might be an excellent time to contact a flyer printing service and begin advertising as renters look for other places to live.

An emergency ban would last 45 days, but with renewals that could stretch to two years.