Goodbye to exorbitant rents: this is Brugada's plan to combat gentrification.

Mayor Clara Brugada presented an ambitious 14-point plan to combat gentrification in Mexico City. The key measure: a new law that will cap annual rent increases based on inflation and create a Tenant Ombudsman's Office to curb abuses.

Faced with the growing housing crisis and the displacement of residents due to skyrocketing rents, the Mexico City government, led by Clara Brugada, has launched an unprecedented regulatory offensive. This is Part 1, "For a Livable, Affordable City with Local Identity and Roots," a package of 14 concrete actions designed to curb gentrification and protect tenants.

The mayor emphasized that in some areas of the city, rents have increased by up to 100% in a single year, forcing out families and small businesses. "The city should not be a privilege for a few; it should be a guaranteed right for all," Brugada declared when presenting the plan.

The heart of the strategy is a new Fair Rent Law that will be submitted to the Mexico City Congress. This law will be structured around several key pillars to change the rules of the real estate market:

• Rent Increase Cap: This will be the most disruptive measure. Annual increases in lease contracts cannot exceed the official inflation rate for the previous year. This puts an end to arbitrary and disproportionate increases. For example, with inflation at 4.2%, a rent of 10,000 pesos could only increase a maximum of 420 pesos the following year.
• Reasonable Rental Price Index: An observatory will be created to establish an official price index by area. This will allow for the identification of so-called "Real Estate Tension Zones" (such as Condesa, Roma, Juárez, etc.) where speculation is highest and where stricter control policies could be implemented.
• Creation of the Tenants' Ombudsman's Office: A new public institution will be established to offer free legal advice, mediate disputes, and punish landlord abuses. This office will be able to intervene in cases of illegal evictions, abusive contract terms, or non-return of deposits.
• Regulation of Platforms like Airbnb: The plan contemplates strict control over temporary rentals for tourist use. It will seek to "rescue housing for social use" and prevent the proliferation of listings on digital platforms from displacing permanent residents.

In addition to rent regulation, Section 1 includes other strategic actions to make Mexico City a more affordable city:

• Public Housing in Central Areas: The construction of affordable housing will be promoted in central boroughs so that workers can live close to their jobs.
• Incentives for Local Businesses: Support such as seed capital and loans will be offered to protect neighborhood stores, diners, and small businesses from displacement.
• Combating Speculation: Those who deliberately keep homes vacant to speculate on their value will be penalized.
• Heritage Preservation: The cultural heritage and traditions of neighborhoods will be protected to maintain their identity.

"Here we are building a model that confronts speculators, protects the people who live in this city, and puts people at the center," said Clara Brugada.

The government has convened forums and roundtable discussions with citizens, academics, and urban planners to enhance the proposal before its vote in Congress, in what is shaping up to be one of the most important debates for the future of the capital.