In today's polarized world, a common theme I experience is noticing smart people ignoring the possibility of unintended consequences. People get so focused on one potential solution to a problem - say rent control keeping some units affordable - that they fail to even consider that it might do more harm than good - for instance rent control causing people to take rentable units off the market. In relation to the rent control debate, one question I ask is does rent control actually make housing more affordable overall? Based on some recent reading, I think the answer is generally no, when you look at the macro affect it has on housing markets.
Housing Affordability vs Rent Control
Housing Affordability vs Rent Control
Housing Affordability vs Rent Control
In today's polarized world, a common theme I experience is noticing smart people ignoring the possibility of unintended consequences. People get so focused on one potential solution to a problem - say rent control keeping some units affordable - that they fail to even consider that it might do more harm than good - for instance rent control causing people to take rentable units off the market. In relation to the rent control debate, one question I ask is does rent control actually make housing more affordable overall? Based on some recent reading, I think the answer is generally no, when you look at the macro affect it has on housing markets.