BOSTON–()–The City of Boston is about to pass a law ordinance that will result in
rents rising across the city, hitting those least able to afford them
the hardest. The City’s initiative, which has taken the form of a
proposed ordinance, is intended to spur investment in energy efficient
upgrades by building owners. Their goal makes sense, however the Greater
Boston Real Estate Board (GBREB) believes the City’s plan does not.
According to GBREB, this plan will ultimately affect tenants, both
commercial and residential who already pay for energy saving measures on
their utility bills.
If passed, the City’s ordinance will require property owners to collect
utility information from every household or commercial tenant, complete
complex energy audits, and then report the results, which will then be
“scored” by government regulators. Owners who refuse to comply will face
enforcement or fines. Costs forced upon building owners by the City will
ultimately be paid by their tenants in the form of increased rent.
As energy users we currently pay fees tucked away in our utility bills
to fund conservation measures. Why should we have the City forcing
ratepayers to pay for those same services again?
GBREB
supports policies and programs aimed at conserving energy; but those
policies must not stigmatize property. Policies should not result in
duplicative costs passed on to tenants. We need environmental education
and programs that work. We are concerned not only with the impact on the
business community, but on housing affordability.
Boston should be proud of the work the City has done to voluntarily
encourage energy conservation measures, but tenants should not be
saddled with a new unfunded mandate with questionable environmental
benefit. GBREB believes putting that burden on Bostonians, when to date,
no city has shown energy scoring to be effective, is ill advised.
To prevent a rent increase that may occur as a result of this proposed
ordinance, please contact your city councilor before the vote on May
8th. You can find your city councilor here http://www.cityofboston.gov/myneighborhood/
Founded in 1889, the Greater Boston Real Estate Board counts its
members at more than 8,000 Real Estate professionals. For more
information, please visit www.gbreb.com
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