Rent control and rent stabilization are hot topics in housing policy debates in across the US due to rising rents, increased homelessness, and housing affordability crises. A recent study published in the Journal of Urban Economics analyzes rent control in Germany, helping Rockville residents and businesses understand how these policies impact renters, landlords, and the broader housing market.

What Are Rent Control and Rent Stabilization?

Rent control and rent stabilization are regulatory measures designed to keep housing affordable by capping rent increases. Rent control typically refers to stringent policies that freeze rents at a certain level, while rent stabilization allows for regulated, modest increases tied to inflation or other factors. These policies aim to protect tenants from sudden and significant rent hikes, providing housing stability and affordability. Keep in mind that policies affecting housing vary significantly by jurisdiction, so if you do a deep dive, it can quickly become complex and overwhelming as you mentally juggle all the pieces. This research looks at a specific situation, which may or may not fully apply to Rockville or MoCo, but does provide a sense of the issues that deserve consideration by the Mayor and Council.