Rent control mandate

If a person wants to rent their space in Bermuda the property should have to be assessed by government personnel. After this the landlord will be given a reasonable price range that they may list their rental space for. This amount will be based on the size of the unit, the amenities, and the location.

This will ensure that landlords are providing spaces that meet basic living standards. It also prevents landlords from inflating the prices of their units without making any significant improvements to their property that would warrant and increase.

The biggest challenge facing the housing market in Bermuda is greed. If a strategy such as this was implemented it would discourage persons from buying properties for the sole purpose of exploiting those seeking housing. This would mean that there would be more houses for sale. This would allow persons, currently renting, a chance to purchase a house which frees up more rental space allowing others to fill those gaps.

This initiative will encourage young Bermudians to remain in the country. A common concern for my peers and I is that the inability to afford to move out of our family homes will cause us to have to leave the country in order to find freedom. If people pay less in rent it would also alleviate the stress of rising costs in other areas such as BELCO and groceries.

I hope that you will consider my suggestion. Whatever decision you make please keep the average working class young adult in mind. Help us to be able to afford our first steps to freedom.