By Joe Murchison
Laurel’s mayor and city council have suspended their discussion of a possible rent-stabilization measure to see if Prince George’s County will pass similar legislation.
Pressed by citizens and activists to do something to ease rising apartment rents, Laurel’s governing body has looked at possible measures, including a cap on annual rent increases.
However, the Prince George’s County Council last month introduced a proposed law that would cap rent hikes countywide at a certain percentage, as yet to be determined. The law would expire in six months, during which time the county council would evaluate longer-term solutions.
Laurel City Council President Brencis Smith (Ward 2) said in a written statement, “As there is currently no drafted legislation before the Mayor and City Council, … it is in the best interest of the City Council to work with the Prince George’s County Council” on its law.
