LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A proposed bill to cap rental raises for vulnerable Nevada seniors and those with disabilities is set to be revived but faces fierce opposition from housing groups that claim unintended consequences.
The proposal from Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui of Clark County mirrors A.B. 298 that passed the Legislature in 2023; it was ultimately vetoed by Governor Joe Lombardo.
The proposed bill for “rent stabilization,” still being drafted, would limit rent raises to 10% only for seniors 63 and up and those with disabilities. The caps would be part of a pilot program lasting a year.
“We’re going to pilot the program, and if it works, and we can protect seniors from unjust rent increases, then we come back the next legislative session and make it permanent. I think we have to pilot the program before we introduce a permanent program,” Jauregui said, noting the measure aims to help those with limited and fixed incomes, who may not be able to work — and afford rent raises.
“If a senior’s rent is $1,000, that means they can’t have a rent increase of more than $100,” Jauregui said. “I had a senior call my office in tears crying because she was experiencing her third rental increase…I imagine every single representative in this building is getting calls from people in their district,” Jauregui said.
FOX5 has reported on the rise of homelessness across the Valley, and social service organizations attribute the rise to evictions, inflation, housing shortages and the lack of affordable housing.
Housing groups are raising concerns over the long-term effects of any rent control measures.
The Nevada Association of Realtors is launching a campaign against the measure with a website: The Truth About Rent Control. The below statement comes from Brandon Roberts, Nevada REALTORS (R) President:
“Rent Control is a flawed policy that leads to disrepair in current rental properties, limits the number of available rentals, encourages corporate buyouts of “mom and pop” owned rentals, discourages new construction, and disproportionately hurts most those it professes to help. 93% of economists, regardless of political affiliation, agree. Additionally, 34 states have prohibited rent control measures. Cities have been walking back these market-distorting programs and voters have overturned rent control in a number of states.”
The Nevada State Apartment Association provided the following statement:
“While well-intended, policies such as rent control ultimately worsen housing shortages, reduce the quality and availability of rental housing, and create budget deficits for local governments. Decades of data have shown that rent control disproportionately increases wealth gaps for people of color, discourages investment in property improvements, and deters economic growth in the housing sector.
As we work with elected leaders at all levels of government to address housing concerns, it has become undeniably clear that rent control is not the solution. Instead, we must focus on policies that encourage new housing development and maintain the quality of existing housing while ensuring a sustainable and balanced rental market that benefits both housing providers and residents.”
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