By Carol Sainthilaire
As the Executive Director of The Waterfront Project, Inc., I must respectfully but firmly disagree with the recent opinion piece published in the Jersey City Times, which claims rent control is unnecessary and harmful to housing supply. This perspective ignores the reality of housing insecurity faced by thousands of residents in Jersey City and beyond.
The Reality of Housing in Jersey City
The author argues that Jersey City’s current housing stock is sufficient to meet demand. This assertion dismisses the lived experience of renters in our community. According to data, over 40% of renters in Hudson County are rent-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. This statistic is not a reflection of “sufficiency” but of systemic inequities in affordability. The suggestion that the market alone will correct these disparities is overly optimistic and detached from the socioeconomic realities many families face.
Rent Control Provides Stability
The assertion that rent control reduces housing supply by disincentivizing development is overly simplistic. Rent control policies, when thoughtfully implemented, are not meant to stifle development but to provide stability to tenants who are otherwise at the mercy of market fluctuations.
It’s important to note that the standard rent control exemption for new construction is 30 years. This means that developers can confidently invest in new projects without being immediately subject to rent control restrictions. This exemption ensures that rent control policies protect tenants in older housing stock while continuing to encourage the development of new housing, striking a balance between tenant stability and economic growth.
Developers will continue to build in Jersey City because of its prime location and robust demand. Rent control policies do not act as a barrier but rather complement a broader strategy to ensure equitable housing for all.
The Myth of Deteriorating Quality
Another claim made in the piece is that rent control will result in landlords neglecting property maintenance. However, evidence from cities with effective rent control policies demonstrates that tenant protections and property upkeep are not mutually exclusive. Robust enforcement mechanisms, including regular inspections and penalties for neglect, can ensure that properties remain in good condition while tenants enjoy the benefits of stable housing costs.
The Need for Equitable Housing Policies
At The Waterfront Project, we see firsthand the devastating consequences of unregulated rent hikes: families forced out of their homes, seniors on fixed incomes facing displacement, and neighborhoods losing their diversity and cultural richness. Rent control is a tool to combat these outcomes, offering tenants predictability and a chance to remain in their communities.
Far from reducing housing stock, rent control can be part of a broader strategy that includes incentives for affordable housing construction, subsidies for landlords who maintain below-market-rate units, and stronger tenant protections. The notion that these approaches are incompatible reflects a misunderstanding of how public policy can balance competing interests for the greater good.
Housing as a Human Right
Jersey City’s rising rents have led to increased housing insecurity, disproportionately affecting low- and moderate-income households. Housing is a basic human right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford to keep up with market trends. Policies like rent control are essential to ensuring that this right is upheld for all residents, not just those at the top of the income distribution.
A Call to Action
Jersey City must grow in a way that includes all its residents, not just those who can afford skyrocketing rents. Policies like rent control are crucial to preventing displacement and ensuring our city remains a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community.
At The Waterfront Project, we are committed to advocating for tenant protections, providing legal representation, and supporting housing stability through our free services. But we can’t do this alone.
We invite you to join us in this mission by supporting The Waterfront Project. Your contribution helps us continue to fight for fair housing policies, represent tenants in crisis, and create lasting change in Jersey City. Together, we can ensure that housing remains a human right, not a luxury.
Visit www.thewaterfrontproject.org/donate to learn more and make a difference today.
Carol Sainthilaire
Executive Director
The Waterfront Project, Inc.