Why do 90% of economists oppose rent control? Money & Macro

Economists on the left and right agree that rent controls are bad.

Rent controls lower rent for those currently in rent controlled apartments. But, they: lower the supply of apartments, decrease mobility because no one wants to move if they have an apartment because it will be difficult to find another one, increase rent in nearby areas, and decrease how well the apartments are maintained. Rent controls help a small group of people and hurt everyone else.

The solution is building more housing, although that is easier said than done.

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