Rent controls are laws that limit how much landlords are allowed to charge or raise rent for residential properties.

By limiting profitability at the expense of providing “free stuff” for renters, they discourage developers from building new rental housing. By forcing the landlord to subsidize the renters, the reduced revenue can lead to poor maintenance.

Imagine the angst if the government forced carpet companies to lower their prices so that “low income families” could buy carpet.

Rent control is a form of price control. It is never fair to everyone and fails long term every time.