The writing is on the wall. It is no longer a question of if rent control is coming, but when. Many cities/states already have rent control in place, and these are not theoretical ideas — they are real laws currently being enforced.

Under the current President and administration, a nationwide rent control policy is unlikely. However, it only takes a future administration with a different agenda for rent control to become permanent at the national level.

As landlords, we have already experienced unprecedented rent forbearance during the pandemic, ongoing tax increases and additional local tax measures, dramatic insurance premium hikes, and rising CapEx and maintenance costs driven by inflation. All of this has resulted in lower net operating income. Yet the prevailing public perception is that landlords are simply raising rents and generating excess profit, which in many cases is not accurate.

Real estate today is not what it once was, and this trend is likely to continue. The most effective action available is at the local level: advocating for balanced policy and supporting responsible landlords who are working to provide quality housing to their communities. Until then, it is worth reviewing these rent control laws directly from the cities that have already implemented them.

Berkely, CA - https://rentboard.berkeleyca.gov/rights-responsibilities/ren...

Portlande, ME - https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/014c1dbc-bccc-47b6-...

NYC - https://www.nyc.gov/site/mayorspeu/programs/rent-stabilizati...

Log Angeles - https://housing.lacity.gov/rental-property-owners/rent-contr...