Champaign-Urbana renters call for lift on rent control ban

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WAND) — Renters across Champaign-Urbana say they're struggling with housing costs rising and unfair rent agreements. Now, they are calling on lawmakers to lift the ban on rent control laws in Illinois.

"There are a lot of people out there right now who are struggling, and having a statewide ban is only a barrier between them and affordable housing," said Victor Murta, Lift the Ban Coalition volunteer.

Rent control laws allow local governments to limit how much landlords charge for rent and how often they increase it. Rebekah Mangels is an organizer of the lift the ban coalition.

"We don't want landlords to raise the rent as much as they want, whenever they want, which under Illinois state law, they're currently allowed to do," Mangels said. "All we're trying to do is lift the ban on rent control."

The coalition hosts town hall meetings to hear the experiences people have with their landlords. Victor Murta says the ban causes a lot of stress.

"My own rent has gone up $200 in the past three years that I've lived here. I once lived without a fridge for a month at one point. I think landlords just have a disproportionate amount of power," said Murta.

Many others share similar stories — some say they've accumulated debt. Mangels says this issue affects people regardless of their political party.

"This is ultimately a nonpartisan issue. Republicans and Democrats, leftists and people on the right alike all agree that the cost of rent is simply too high," said Mangels.

The coalition proposes House Bill 3637 to protect tenants' rights. The next town hall meeting is December 13th at the Chapel of St. John the Divine in Champaign. Anyone interested in supporting the movement should visit Lift the Ban online.

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