Rochester renters demand rent stabilization on steps of City Hall

Rochester, N.Y. – Renters who are struggling to make ends meet brought a message straight to the steps of Rochester City Hall on Wednesday.

The Rochester Rent Stabilization Campaign is urging the city to opt in to the Emergency Tenant Protection Act.

Supporters said it would limit rent increases for tenants living in buildings with six or more units, built before 1974.

"The rent is way to high for people who can't afford it, like myself," said Rochester renter Marvin Stevens. "It's like every time you get a raise in Social Security, the rates go up in your building."

Advocates say it would impact around 25,000 Rochester residents.

"We're seeing a lot of people being evicted because of the rent hikes," said Elizabeth McGriff with Community Engagement. "They either move in with relatives or they become homeless and it's like restarting all over again. So, if we can have something that keeps people stable and in their homes, that what they need."

An area must have a vacancy rate of five percent or less to opt into rent stabilization.

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said while the city is committed to addressing housing concerns, the city's vacancy rate is a nine percent, which makes the city ineligible to opt in.