The Washington times., 1919-08-31
TO AID
D. C. BUILDING
ARE FAVORED
Congress Seeks Lower Rents,
But Is Determined to En-
courage Builders.

While the legislative ak hangs over
realty business in washington, build
ing operations necessarily are con-
tinuing In a state OF uncertainty
Realizing that the population of
Washington is rapidly outgrowing its
housing accommodations, the Senate
District subcomittee that is to begin
next Tuesday the framing Of perma-
nent legislative relief for all classes
is convinced that IN the successful en-
couragement Of building operations
lies the proper solution OF the prob
lem that eonfronts the National Capt.
tai
while Senator Balls eomittee isl
studying the housing situation, the
senate itself viii jam through tenn
porary legislation Of some sort just
now the amendment offered by Sena-
tor Harrison Of Mississippi, providing
Government control over the rent sit
uation, with fail sentences for prol-
teers, Is the measure which IL most
likely 70 receive strongest support in
the upper house Congressman Ben
5ohnson's drastic proposals have re-
eeived only mild support 10 the Sen
ate.
Many EAE-Eea 10 10 Ous
when Senator Balls committee
meets next Tuesday it viii have be-
fore IL a mass OF facts and figures re-
latfne to the rent situation in Wash
ington which Is 10 serve as basis for
framing q permanent rent law as q
model for the country.
The legislation that is TO be recon-
mended viii 90 hard with the rent
profteer." Il win apply swift brakes
to the vicious practice OF subleastng, !
which Is recognized by the committee 1
as the crux to the profIteering evil.
u viii 90 hard with the owner or
real estate agent who discriminates
unjustly against those who have
taken necessary refuge behind the
salisbury Law as their only weapon
against rent extortioH.
Seek JuSt Rents.
The committee - convinced that
rents must be put within reach Of the
average Washington Daniroll; but it
Is just as firmly convinced that they
must not Re reduced to such a point
as to discourage building operations.
with ali its intricate angles, the ulti-
mate solution TO the housing prob i
lem in washington lies in the old law
OF supply and demand" which the /
committee believes must be met fairly |
and squarely II any good is to come
out OF permanent legislation.
In fact, Senator Ball, chairman OF
the committee, believes that when
building operations are encouraged to
such a point they will meet the needs
Of Washington's growing population,
the rent situation viii adjust itself.
But while the city is getting back 70
q pre-war status of housing accom-
naodations. the committee intends to
take care OF the tenant, who has no
alternative but to pay what is de-
manded OF him.
Features Of Probe.
These are the outstanding facts
that the investigation OF cases Of
rent proiteerinE during the past
week has brought to light:
The subleasing system above all
oeher practices, is the gouging pro-
cess that hits the tenant the hardest.
@subIeasing and bIood-letting." as II
is characterized by Senator Sheppard
Of Texas. is the attitude OF the entire
committee with regard TO the prac-
Gfce, which Affects owners and ten
ants alike.
Rent extortion Is plainly evident
in forms OF leases which are being
forced upon tenants, giving them the
choice OF paying" or "vacating."
These leases the committee has an
nounced IL regards as an absolute
threat"
Repair FAN of.
While rents have been increased all
along the line, repair work has been
decreased in q majority OF the apart
meat houses. according to the tes-
fimony Of many complsinants.
Property owners and real estate
agents have served notice on the
public that rents are to SO still high
er this fall. almost without exception,
unless Congress calls a halt
The Salisbury law, while IL af-
foFds protection to those whose
stationary salaries cannot meet the
demand for increased rents, is being
turned into a legal protection for un-
scrupulous parties using Il to engage
in an "orgy Of profiteering," leaving
rightfuI owners unable to regain pos
session OF their property.
Owners Have Strong Case
On the other hand, the owners Of
property and real estate firms have a
strong case, which will not be denied
q fair recognition when the Senate
committee undertakes TO put into
perfection a model rent law.
Apartment houses are rarely re-
turning more than s or per cent on
the investment involved; many OF
them are paying less than 5 per cent.
In rare instances. some are actually
involved with a loss.
Real estate men are agreed that
rents must be increased in the fall
~ properties are 70 be put on a legi- (
1imsfe paying basis. Increases rang ]
ing from 10 70 20 per cent in rents,
they assert, arc necessary II prop ]
critics are 70 continue paying as much
aa or Q per cent, which the COM
mittee is inclined 20 regard as
Fn .
vestments.
CONCERT AT RESERVATION.
fr,e Marine Rand concerf Tuesdav y | ]