Orange County commissioners approve rent ordinance, discuss rent cap

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - The Orange County Board of Commissions discussed two rent stabilization measures. The issue has been on the forefront of people’s minds as rent in Orlando has increased over 30% this year.

"I’m living on about $400 biweekly. I’m a hard-working woman and cannot afford having a part-time job," said Jessie Correa.

Renters and members of Florida Rising rallied outside the commission meeting. Correa, a mother of six and a survivor of domestic violence, says her rent has gone up over $300 and is putting her on the brink of homelessness – something she’s already experienced.

"I cannot, and I will not go back, so I ask you to please make a change and hear a mother's cry," said Correa. "I’m not the only story. There are many more stories out there."

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The commission passed a rent stabilization ordinance that would provide a 60-day notice for lease termination or rent increase.

"It will definitely give some stability hence the rent stabilization ordinance title so that we can be able to put more things in place that could have long-term benefits," said District 6 Commissioner Emily Bonilla.

Bonilla spearheaded the push for rent stabilization. She is pushing another ordinance that will try to cap rent increases but believes the current wording may favor landlords more than tenants.

"They put in there that they can come to the board and ask to raise rents if others are raising the rents and I’m like that’s the excuse they are using now and this just makes the ordinance completely useless," said Bonilla.

Bonilla would like a rent increase cap at 5% or an increase as much as current inflation, whichever is lower. The current board discussion wants whatever is higher.

"We have developed our own draft language and it’s very simple. Every single door should be covered. No carve-outs or individual households," said Sheena Rolle of Florida Rising. "Five percent rate increases for one year."

The ordinance passed by the board will be in effect in the next 10 days. The rent cap ordinance needs to be written by the end of August to be voted on in November.