Rent Control: Key Policy Components and Their Equity Implications

The lack of affordable, accessible, and high-quality rental units in the US has exacerbated economic and racial disparities. As cities and other jurisdictions look to implement housing policies for an equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, rent control remains highly contentious, with diverg...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Policy File 2021
Main Authors: Plerhoples Stacy, Christina, Morales-Burnett, Jorge, Noble, Eleanor, Hodge, Timothy, Komarek, Timothy
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
Housing
Urban Institute
Online Access:Request full text
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Summary:The lack of affordable, accessible, and high-quality rental units in the US has exacerbated economic and racial disparities. As cities and other jurisdictions look to implement housing policies for an equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, rent control remains highly contentious, with diverging opinions among stakeholders on the program's ability to produce and preserve enough rental housing for renters with low incomes and renters of color. In this brief, we use document reviews and interviews with 23 housing advocates, policymakers, researchers, landlords, and developers to outline the key regulatory components of rent control, common policy loopholes, and the importance of program implementation for positive renter outcomes.