WASHINGTON, D.C. — In 2022, local and state legislatures across the country raised the issue of rent control to address the high cost of living and the ongoing affordable housing crisis. Some municipalities enacted rent control measures or expanded on those already in place, while the efforts of others were shot down by city councils and state law. Rent control measures are regulations enacted by state or local governments that place a limit on the amount a landlord can charge to lease a home or increase rent upon the renewal of a lease. Rent control regulations are legally binding once signed by a governor or passed through a referendum. The intent of rent control is to keep living costs affordable for renters, particularly those who are earning lower incomes. However, the official position of the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) as well as the National Apartment Association (NAA) is that rent control exacerbates housing shortages, causes existing buildings to deteriorate and disproportionately benefits higher-income households. The NMHC and NAA, both based in Washington, D.C., have stated that they are in favor of alternative methods, such as voucher-based rental assistance, to address affordable housing shortages. Rent Control Efforts Gain Traction Though …
