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Rent control creates a huge bureaucracy for local govermnent. The cost to local government to <br />administer a rent control program is enormous. <br />Finally, rent control does not help the very people it is intended to protect. Controlled units <br />become a premium for tenants, who sublease them to family and friends "under the table" and at <br />higher rates. This lowers turnover and only further limits the supply of affordable rental housing <br />for the neediest. Again, the "cure" is worse than the problem, <br />Anyone who doubts these problems with rent control need only look at many of the cities that <br />have already tried it. Cities like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, for example, have <br />lived with rent control for decades and are no closer to solving their affordability issues now than <br />they were when those programs were adopted. <br />The solution to the housing crisis is obvious, First and foremost, we need more housing. City <br />government has a moral obligation to plan appropriately so that housing can be built to address <br />the needs of all income levels, ownership and rental. It is short-sighted at best to limit supply <br />then put a lid on prices, which sets the laws of economics against each other. <br />The REALTORS associations at the national, state, and local level are all working to solve the <br />housing affordability crisis. We ask that you adopt a "do no harm" mentality as you consider <br />different policy prescriptions, first and foremost by opposing any attempt at rent control or just <br />cause eviction. <br />Thank you for your consideration <br />Sincerely, <br />'7_11(m A).— <br />Tim Shaw <br />Govermnent Affairs Director <br />Pacific West Association of REALTORS® <br />