St. Paul is considering a major change to its rent-control law, and the City Council wants to hear from you. A community meeting will be held on March 27 at 6 p.m. at Neighborhood House, 179 E. Robie St., where residents can discuss the proposed updates to rent stabilization and new tenant protections.
Current Rent-Stabilization Ordinance
Under the current rent-stabilization ordinance, passed by voters in 2021 and implemented in 2022, landlords cannot raise rents by more than 3% per year for buildings 20 years or older, even when tenants move out. The ordinance was designed to protect renters from steep rent hikes but has been criticized by developers who say it has slowed down new construction.
What Would Change?
The proposed changes would permanently exempt all new buildings from rent control, eliminating the 20-year rule. This means that any apartment complex built from now on would never be subject to rent stabilization. City officials argue that this change will encourage developers to invest in St. Paul, where apartment construction has declined sharply in recent years.
However, tenant advocates worry about the long-term impact on affordability. To address these concerns, the City Council is considering new tenant protections, including limits on security deposits, stricter eviction rules, and requirements for advance notice when buildings are sold. Council President Rebecca Noecker emphasized that any adjustments to rent stabilization must be balanced with safeguards for renters.
Developers and landlords have opposed these protections in the past, and a previous attempt to enact similar rules was blocked by a lawsuit in 2021. This time, the council aims to craft policies that are enforceable while still addressing tenant needs.
Get Involved: Attend the Meeting
This meeting is an important opportunity for residents to engage in the conversation and share their perspectives before the City Council holds public hearings in April. Whether you’re a renter, a landlord, or simply concerned about the future of housing in St. Paul, your voice matters.
🔹 Date: March 27, 2025
🔹 Time: 6:00 p.m.
🔹 Location: Neighborhood House, 179 E. Robie St., St. Paul
Join the discussion and help shape the future of rent stabilization in our city.