Oakland Residents Rally Against Proposed Rent IncreaseOakland Residents Rally Against Proposed Rent Increase Oakland, California – Residents in Oakland took to the streets on Wednesday to protest a proposed rent increase that they say would be devastating to low-income families and individuals. The rally, organized by the Oakland Tenants Union, drew hundreds of protesters who carried signs that read “Stop the Rent Gouging” and “Housing is a Human Right.” The proposed rent increase, put forward by the Oakland City Council, would allow landlords to raise rents by up to 6% per year plus inflation. This would amount to a significant increase for many tenants, who are already struggling to afford the high cost of housing in Oakland. “This rent increase is a slap in the face to working families and the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Maria Melendez, a tenant organizer with the Oakland Tenants Union. “It will only make it harder for people to afford to live in Oakland.” The rally was part of a broader campaign by tenants’ rights groups to fight against the proposed rent increase. The groups have argued that the increase would disproportionately harm low-income renters, seniors, and people of color. The Oakland City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed rent increase on February 28. The council has faced significant pressure from both sides of the issue, with landlords arguing that they need to raise rents to cover their costs and tenants pleading for affordability. The outcome of the vote is uncertain, but the large turnout at Wednesday’s rally suggests that there is strong opposition to the proposed rent increase. “We will not give up until the city council votes no on this rent increase,” said Melendez. “Housing is a human right, and we will not let our city become a place where only the wealthy can afford to live.”