Renters And Homeowners Alike Express Support For Rent Control Measures

Calgary, AB - With rent control becoming a major topic of concern in Alberta's two biggest cities, a strong majority (85%) of residents surveyed in the Calgary and Edmonton (Census Metropolitan Area) support the introduction of rent controls that would restrict the ability of landlords to increase rents. Perhaps not surprisingly, nine-in ten renters (92%) support this proposition, while fully eight-in-ten homeowners (78%) also express support for rent control. Those with children in their household are more likely to "strongly support" rent control implementation (66%) compared to those with no children in their household (55%).

Despite ongoing public debate around the effectiveness of rent controls, most residents of both Calgary and Edmonton see the implementation of rent controls as a necessity. Moreover, nine-in-ten (89%) say they are concerned about the affordability of housing and rental units in their communities. Among renters, the level of concern is more apparent, with 97% expressing concern about the affordability of rental units.

However, although three-quarters (75%) of renters in both cities have experienced a lease increase in the past twelve months, six-in-ten (57%) saw their increase as being fair. On the face of it, this finding is surprising given the strong support expressed for the introduction of rent controls. However, when considered as a barometer of the public mood, it is clear that those surveyed have considerable trepidation about the future costs of housing in Alberta and will expect some form of government action on this front.

As you may know, there has been some discussion recently about the affordability of housing and rental units in Alberta. Some people have suggested introducing rent controls that would restrict the ability of landlords to increase rents. Do you personally support or oppose the introduction of rent control in Alberta?

How concerned are you personally about the affordability of housing and rental units in your community?

All things considered, how would you rate the fairness of your rent increase over the last 12 months?

These are the findings of an Ipsos Reid poll fielded between May 11 and May 13, 2007 and is based on a randomly selected sample of 663 adult Albertans. Results based on a sample size of 663 are considered accurate to within 177 3.75 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, of what they would have been had the entire adult population of Alberta been polled. These data were statistically weighted to ensure the sample's regional and age/sex composition reflects that of the actual population of Alberta according to the 2001 Census data.

The sample was split evenly between homeowners and renters with 326 and 338 interviews being conducted in each category respectively. Results based on a sample size of 330 are considered accurate to within + 5.4 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, of what they would have been had the entire population of renters and homeowners in Alberta been polled.

For more Information on this news release, please contact:
Cory Davison
Vice-President
Ipsos Reid Public Affairs
(403) 294-5614
[email protected]

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