Rent Control Law Unconstitutional

While I am not an apartment owner, Mr. Yarmark’s poignant letter struck a chord with me. (Times, Feb. 5.)

Why can’t our courts enforce the U.S. Constitution? The Fifth Amendment of the Bill of Rights clearly states that the government shall not take our property without just compensation; forcing a property owner to rent a $900-a-month apartment for $400 a month is plainly and simply theft in the amount of $6,000 a year.

It is easy to personalize the issue, i.e., fixed-income renter versus rich landowner. However, the reverse, (BMW renter versus fixed-income landlady) is also possible. Neither scenario is germane to the issue. Rent control is unconstitutional, hence unlawful!

Where is our protection?

TOM BASKERVILLE

Santa Monica