Rent Control Policies Backfire on Goal of Boosting Affordable Housing

Rent control policies have the unintended effect of decreasing the housing supply, according to a new study by the National Apartment Association. Rent control harms multifamily cashflow, property values, maintenance spending, and reduces new construction, the study found. The study, “Modeling the Impacts of Rent Control,” is the result of researching the impacts of rent control in four major metropolitan areas.

In recent months, rent control measures have received greater focus and consideration, as housing affordability has become a major concern nationwide. Oregon and California have passed statewide caps on rents, while New York City and Washington, D.C. have also expanded rent regulations.

Other cities have examined other possible solutions including revamping outdated zoning, reducing zoning application fees, and waiving parking requirements.

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