[bigbob2]

You're claiming that tenant protection laws are the reason apartments are kept empty? That seems like a pretty tall claim. Why would someone even continue to own a space that they feel they can't rent out because they disagree with the laws? Speculation on future prices is the only reason I can think of. Introduce a tax penalty for units/buildings vacant longer than X months. There would be more incentive for property owners to lease out units if it was costly not to do so. Eroding protections for the most vulnerable class of people doesn't seem like the best way to reduce upwards market pressure on something that basically everyone needs to survive.