To the dismay of many students, Big T is permanently closing on Sept. 30 due to the property’s landlord increasing rent by nearly 17% next year. The store has been the go-to hangout place after school for many students. Needless to say, it is sad to see Big T go. However, this issue of rent hikes does not just affect Big T, a lack of rent control is one that affects all of Alhambra.
Currently, there are no rent control policies that protect tenants of commercial properties. This is a big issue for two main reasons. One, small businesses are integral to the community, from creating jobs, to generating local taxes and even shaping the identity of the community. Two, a rise in rent costs causes an increase in price of goods which contributes to the decreases the buying power of consumers. When this happens, the economy of the community is ultimately affected too.
When rent is increased to the point where it is no longer sustainable for small businesses, it should be a clear indicator that something needs to be done. When landlords abuse their power, it harms communities. Sure, another aspiring business may fill the vacant space, but then they would just fall victim to the same cycle that took away the many small businesses that came before it. Big T was one of those stores.