Marlsfarp t1_ixdlmj1 wrote on November 22, 2022 at 5:23 PM

Reply to comment by biggreencat in It's a Miracle Your Favorite Local Bar Still Exists by troxwalt

First one he listed lays it pretty straightforwardly. Rent control reduces both the quality and quantity of housing available, in more or less the same way price controls for other things typically do. The theory is straightforward, but it's not just theory, it is extremely well documented in practice. It benefits entrenched interests at the expense of all future residents, and destroys the livability of cities.

biggreencat t1_ixdn1yw wrote on November 22, 2022 at 5:33 PM

the problem i'm trying to bring up is that it's a benefit to the people who are receiving rent control. there aren't a lot of policies that are quite as socially protective as that is. of course those of us who aren't benefitting from it aren't going to consider it beneficial.

I'm also sceptical (to put it mildly) that the general population of renters would benefit from more development and the changing of zoning laws.

Marlsfarp t1_ixdo78w wrote on November 22, 2022 at 5:40 PM

The people who manage to land a rent controlled home will be able to live cheaply as their home and their city decays around them, together with their grown children who can't afford to leave. Sometimes it's worth it for that select group, but overall it's a disaster. Supply and demand is not some trick made up by evil economists.

biggreencat t1_ixdp67k wrote on November 22, 2022 at 5:46 PM

i agree with the first sentiment. that's my problem with rent control--how's it help someone like me? that second sentiment tho. it's a very dated simplification.