Rent Stabilization
In November of 2021, Saint Paul voted YES for rent stabilization! Every single precinct of the West Side voted yes too. That's the power of the people! Led by the Housing Equity Now! St. Paul (HENS) Coalition, community organizations across the city succeeded passing a policy that will keep tenants, especially low-wealth and BIPOC households, from getting priced out of their homes.
“I remember a few years back we sat around a table and we were feeling the hopelessness and despair of so many neighbors (including several of us at the table with our own lived experiences of housing instability) and we were just like What IF, What IF we could just put a cap on the rent? Even if it was only a glimmer of hope. Fast forward to actually bringing those words, that hope, to life.” –Monica Bravo, Executive Director, West Side Community Organization
Here at WSCO, we're full of gratitude for all the West Side volunteers, neighbors, and organizers who joined the campaign to build power together so we can Keep Saint Paul Home. We're proud to be a part of the Housing Equity Now Saint Paul coalition leading the way for this historic housing justice policy!
Check out videos and photos from our celebration of this historic win for renters.
In the summer of 2022 the City Council went against the will of the voters, and passed new ordinances that weakened protections for renters. Hundreds of community members across the city organized to defend strong rent stabilization: listen to West Siders who spoke out. Today, rent stabilization is still in effect, but there are several new exceptions that allow landlords to raise rent more than 3%. Visit the City of Saint Paul's website for updated information on the policy.
Know your rights
Questions about rent stabilization, what it means, and whether you're protected from rent hikes? Check out these resources!
- Organize with us! Click here if you're a West Side renter who has experienced a rent hike, or wants to organize for housing justice with us!
- Reach out to HOMELine's free tenant hotline number: 612-728-5767, or email HOMELine here.
- Visit Housing Equity Now Saint Paul's website: learn about what rent stabilization is, why it works, and other FAQS
- Check out the City of Saint Paul's rent stabilization page: information for renters and landlords about how the policy will be implemented
- Report a rent hike through the City's website