Small landlords air their case vs. rent control in State House setting
Small landlords in Massachusetts, including Amir Shahsavari and Steffen Amun Ra, opposed a ballot referendum on May 14 that would impose statewide rent control, arguing it would limit their ability to recoup costs and maintain properties. The proposed measure would cap rent increases at 5 percent or the consumer price index, whichever is lower, while exempting owner-occupant landlords with 4 or fewer units, though it faces strong financial backing from large real estate investors and industry groups.
Small landlords in Massachusetts held a press briefing at the State House on May 14 to oppose a ballot referendum that would impose statewide rent control. Amir Shahsavari, president of the Small Property Owners Association (SPOA) and owner of five units, argued that rent control would prevent landlords from adjusting rents to cover rising operating costs, despite their commitment to long-term tenant relationships. Shahsavari’s mother began renting properties after immigrating to the U.S., and he emphasized that his own approach avoids unnecessary rent hikes. The proposed measure, which has over 60 percent support in polls, would cap rent increases at 5 percent or the consumer price index, whichever is lower. Steffen Amun Ra, a military veteran and MassLandlords board member, highlighted that nearly half of Massachusetts’ rental units are in 2-4 unit buildings, which would be exempt from rent control. Ra, who raised rents by only 4 percent annually for tenants since 2017, criticized the policy as unfair, comparing it to restrictions on other earned rights. Groups like SPOA and MassLandlords Inc., which collectively own over 72,000 rental units, argue that rent control would stifle property maintenance and renovations by limiting revenue. Doug Quattrochi, president of MassLandlords, noted that landlords would struggle to recoup costs for repairs or adjust rents when tenants leave. The ballot question’s exemption for owner-occupants with four or fewer units was framed as insufficient by opponents, who warn of broader economic impacts on small landlords. The opposition campaign, *Housing for Massachusetts*, has raised over $1 million from major real estate investors, including Equity Residential, Avalon Bay Group, and the National Association of Realtors. The largest single donation came from NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association, contributing $200,000. While small landlords spoke at the event, the financial backers remained unnamed, focusing attention on the policy’s potential to destabilize rental housing markets.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.