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There's been a lot of chatter in various circles and in the media about the "rental housing problem" in the VI. Many people seem to think bringing about legislation similar to Oregon's new rent control legislation is the answer. Personally, I'm total against any rent control legislation and feel that its not needed and wiull not work here. What do others think?
Posted : March 7, 2019 2:30 pm
Rent control laws already exists in the VI. The issue is enforcement.
Landlord and tenant relations are covered by the Virgin Islands Code, Title Twenty Eight (Property), Chapter 31 (Landlord and Tenant). Sub-chapter III deals with Rent Control, sub-chapter II provides provisions for Forcible Entry and Detainer and sub-chapter I contains General Provisions.
Posted : March 7, 2019 2:52 pm
The provisions of this subchapter shall remain in force and effect only for the duration of the public emergency with respect to the shortage of housing and business accommodations declared to exist by Ordinance of the Municipal Council of Saint Thomas and Saint John approved December 5, 1947 (Bill no. 92), which ordinance was made applicable throughout the Virgin Islands by section 13 of the Act of the Legislature approved March 31, 1955, Number 24. Upon declaration by Resolution or Act of the Legislature that such emergency has ceased to exist, the provisions of this subchapter shall have no further application.
Posted : March 7, 2019 4:05 pm
Topic starter
Rent control laws already exists in the VI. The issue is enforcement.
Landlord and tenant relations are covered by the Virgin Islands Code, Title Twenty Eight (Property), Chapter 31 (Landlord and Tenant). Sub-chapter III deals with Rent Control, sub-chapter II provides provisions for Forcible Entry and Detainer and sub-chapter I contains General Provisions.
That was an amusing read! A rent control law without any rent controls! Perfect...they should leave just the way it is. It wouldn't really matter if there was rent control with teeth anyway. Like most other laws in the VI, no one would enforce it.
Posted : March 8, 2019 8:32 am
i have heard too many stories of renters being kicked out so that the owners can get the big bucks from fema. while i understand that, the average worker who lives here cant afford the 2+k that people are charging now.
Posted : March 11, 2019 8:32 am
It's not about FEMA, it's about supply and demand.
Posted : March 11, 2019 9:21 am
It's not about FEMA, it's about supply and demand.
https://www.investopedia.com/updates/adam-smith-economics/
Isn't this capitalism working at its best?
Posted : March 11, 2019 9:37 am
What a mess this code is. 1947? Seriously? It's no wonder it's not enforced.
§ 834. Maximum rent ceilings
The maximum rent ceilings in the Virgin Islands shall be as follows—
(2) real property used for business purposes or on which superficiary houses are constructed, rents in force and effect on July 1, 1947;
(3) for newly constructed housing or business accommodations first rented on and after the aforesaid maximum rent date, or accommodations changed on or after such date, so as to result in an increase or decrease of the number of dwelling or business units in such accommodations, the first rent for such accommodations after the change or maximum rent date as the case may be, but in no event more than the maximum rent provided for such accommodations by an order of the Rent Control Officer upon application properly made; and
Posted : March 25, 2019 10:28 am
