Highland Park Rent Leveling Board Grapples with Hardship Claims and Rent Increases Under New Ordinance

Overview: The Highland Park Rent Leveling Board’s recent meeting was primarily centered on the challenging issues of defining landlord hardship and determining fair rent increases in light of the recently enacted rent control ordinance. The case of landlord Garrett, who cited financial difficulties under the new ordinance, was particularly prominent. Garrett’s appeal for a rent increase above the ordinance’s standard rate due to alleged hardships sparked a discussion about the fairness of rent adjustments and the future of local rent policies.