It’s a no-brainer that Reno renters shouldn’t trust landlords, but what about the Realtors who sell our homes to landlords?
The groups behind How to Win $100 Million Listings and an illegal $1.8 Billion conspiracy to keep prices high now want renters to believe that Nevada Realtors are trying to keep rents lower. Their website, TruthAboutRentControl, is just one part of an expensive, out-of-touch, marketing campaign aiming to confuse Reno Tenants.
Let’s bust those myths one-by-one.
Rent Stabilization, by Definition, Keeps Rents Low
Nevada Realtors want you to think that rent stabilization makes rents go up. They cite fake studies, publish opinions in newspapers, and cite convoluted economic theories to make you believe that lowering your rent somehow increases your rent. They will advertise this to you everywhere because they think they can trick you.
If you read the actual law, it says:
A landlord shall not increase the rent payable by an existing tenant during the first year of tenancy; and during any 12-month period by an amount that exceeds the cost-of-living increase for the region where the dwelling unit is located.
The law prevents landlords from raising rent more than inflation. Rent Stabilization laws, like SB 426, would prevent rent increases above 5% per year. That’s it.
When Realtors say that rent stabilization increases rents, it’s a form of propaganda called “doublespeak” (a term coined by George Orwell in his dystopian novel 1984). They are using confusing contradictory language to distort the truth.
Rent Stabilization Improves Housing Stability
Do you know someone who was forced to move because their rent went up too much? We know hundreds. Rents already are too high and renters cannot survive with annual 10-20% rent increases. Many renters and their families are forced to move whenever landlords demand too much, and we currently have no way to stop them.
That’s why renters need Rent Stabilization. It’s a common-sense reform that protects us from greedy landlords and corporate shareholders who demand endless rent hikes.
Rent Stabilization Does Not Infringe Upon The Rights of Landlords
According to Nevada Realtors Association CEO Tiffany Banks,
“Rent control imposes a significant financial burden on property owners infringing on their rights.”
– Tiffany Banks
CEO Nevada Realtors
Fact: The United States Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Nevada State Constitution do not grant landlords the right to extort renters, or even charge rent. That “right” is simply made up.
Banks continues to say “Solutions should focus on broader societal changes.” Surprisingly, RSTU agrees. That’s why we have proposed policies such as:
- Rent Stabilization
- Prohibiting Hidden Fees
- Ending Accelerated Summary Evictions
- Funding “Housing-First” Assistance Programs
- Restricting Corporate Home Ownership
- Restricting “Airbnb” Properties
- Habitability Enforcement and Reform
- And more
Unfortunately, groups like Nevada Realtors oppose a lot of these efforts, making it difficult to affect change.
Who is Against Rent Control?
If rent stabilization protects renters from greedy landlords, then why is anyone against it?
The answer: landlords, developers, and wealthy real estate professionals are the only people against it.
We Need Your Help to Fight Back
The Reno Sparks Tenants Union is recruiting renters, volunteers, donors, and community leaders to join the fight for safe, dignified, and affordable housing for everyone. We invite you to get involved and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the latest news affecting renters in Reno.