Rent Caps Divide College Town

This Maryland community is condisering a rent stabilization ordinance. "Only single-family homes will be subject to the proposal, which would cap rent at $1,929 —or 1 percent of the house’s taxable value, whichever is greater." Landlords arguing against the proposal push free market positions. Students are fed up with the upward rent spiral in town. Townies veiw the measure as a way to stabilize neighborhoods."The city’s housing development plan states that the city wants to “encourage the University of Maryland and the private sector to provide suitable housing to meet the needs of ... students on or near campus” and reduce the number of single-family homes that are rental properties."