Rent moratorium suggested

Citing high employment and the weak economy, City Councilman Richard Alarcón called Wednesday for a one-year moratorium on increases for rent-controlled units. Daily News.

City law allows landlords to raise rents by up to 3 percent a year, regardless of whether their costs have increased. He estimated the one-year freeze could save families $300 to $500.

"This is a city of renters, and it is growing as more and more people are losing their homes to foreclosure," Alarcón said at a news conference. "Rent control was created to protect families. When we are in an economic recession, families who are struggling to make ends meet can still face rent increases."