Wilmington council rejects residential rent-stabilization ordinance after hours of testimony

Wilmington City Council on Thursday rejected a substitute ordinance to create residential rent stabilization for nonexempt rental units after a lengthy public-comment period and council debate.

Councilwoman Darby introduced Substitute No. 1 to Ordinance 25-016, saying the measure had been revised after meetings with landlords, community advocates and other council members. “We will increase it to 5% or CPI, whichever is greater,” Darby said as she summarized the floor amendments that added procedural safeguards for landlords and tenants and gave the city’s License & Inspection (L&I) office time to implement the program.

The proposal drew dozens of public speakers during an extended comment period. Tenants, seniors and tenant advocates urged passage, describing steep rent hikes and displacement. “Rent stabilization will help prevent people from falling into homelessness and build a more stable, equitable landscape,” Erin Gallagher said. Landlord groups and small-property owners opposed the measure, saying it would discourage investment or unfairly limit small landlords’ flexibility; Jeffrey Sheridan, president of Greater Wilmington Housing Providers, said, “Our group stands firmly against rent control, rent stabilization, or any other policies to discourage the much needed investment in our city.” Local property managers also urged the council to focus on removing permit and administrative barriers instead.

Council members debated amendments and implementation details on the floor before voting.…