Readers say 'no' to rent control

Less government is better government when it comes to housing, according to readers who participated in a survey at sanduskyregister.com. By a 55%-45% majority (411 votes to 336 votes), readers who took the survey don't want any changes to state law that would regulate or limit rent hikes. The apartment building at 934 W. Washington St. (U.S. 6) in Sandusky. Register photo/ERIN CALDWELL State Rep. D.J. Swearingen recently purchased an apartment building near downtown Sandusky, and he promptly raised the monthly rents by 71%, or about $500, for each of the six units in his building. For one woman, a senior citizen on a fixed income who's lived there for more than a decade, the rent skyrocketed from $700 per month to $1,200 per month, beginning Sept. 1. Swearingen personally delivered the notices to the tenants, giving them about one month's notice. He declined to comment about his decision to raise rents. There are no state laws to limit rent hikes. Swearingen, R-Huron, who is seeking re-election to the gerrymandered 89th House District seat, could propose legislation that would limit how much rents can be hiked up year over year, but he's not likely to do that against his own self-interest. The survey was posted on the homepage at sanduskyregister.com from Aug. 2-8. Here is the survey question and the results: Rents are going through the roof for some people, but rent control regulation are outlawed in Ohio. Would you support a change in state law to allow home rule cities to enact rent control measures? √ 38% — 284 votesNo. Market conditions alone should dictate rent cost, not rules imposed by bureaucrats. 18% — 134 votesYes. There are rules for mortgage contracts. There should be rules for rental contracts, too. 27% — 202 votesYes. It just makes sense that tenants be offered protections from greedy property owners who impose unfair hikes in rent. 17% — 127 votesNo. Lawmakers have no business regulating market conditions for real estate. Total Votes: 747 votes * Be sure to take the latest survey at sanduskyregister.com When should the new school year begin?