The Claim
Greater density in residential areas and commercial corridors will help bring down rents and be an overall plus for tenants.

The Strategy
Pit renters and homeowners against each other in order to circumvent a coalition from forming between them that might endanger the prospects of some of the worst aspects of rezoning. Convince renters that (1) their rents will go down with the addition of more housing, (2) that they will not ever have access to the areas of town considered high resource without these changes, or (3) that their only chance to buy their own homes will be if high wage earners sell their homes to move into the new market rate high rise developments, thus depressing the market for older housing stock.

The Facts
The Yes in My Back Yard (YIMBY) movement behind the push for massive zoning changes has coupled with Big Tech and the real estate industry to create favorable conditions for developers, who get much of their funding from hedge funds. Housing has simply become a commodity, and as long as there is plenty of money to be made, ownership will continue to move from private individuals to corporations. As housing stock gets demolished, with no guarantees that affordable housing or rent controlled units will be spared (or created!), conditions get worse for tenants, not better. This unholy alliance has a history of anti-tenant activism because of the threat to profitability .

The Bottom Line
Renters and homeowners are actually natural allies in this battle. The livability quotient affects both groups equally. Homeowners may like to have yards to take care of, but renters might like to be part of a community garden. Both groups would suffer from urban heat islands and wind tunnels. Lack of green space and community amenities affect the psyches of everyone. The cost of living goes up for each, as renters lose their rent-controlled apartments and homeowners see their property taxes go ever higher. Congestion on the streets and sidewalks does not discriminate between the two groups. Both will suffer if the worst aspects of rezoning are not kept in check.

For More Information

“What Is a YIMBY? (Hint: It’s Not Good)”, Patrick Range McDonald, Housing is Human Right — Essential information for understanding YIMBY groups.

“California YIMBY Joins Corporate Landlords to Kill Rent Control Measure”, Patrick Range McDonald, Housing is Human Right — Shows how YIMBY groups are now working closely with the real estate industry to kill tenant protections.