[devolving-dev]

People like to look at rent control from a purely economic lens, but the sociopolitical aspect must also be considered. A suboptimal economic outcome might actually be optimal when all factors are considered. Social harmony and a feeling of hope for underprivileged residents are hard to value, but we must admit that they do have value.

[AlexandrB]

That assumes rent controlled units actually benefit mostly the underprivileged. They don't.

They create a strong incentive to keep a flat indefinitely. It's not unheard of for a person to continue renting a rent frozen apartment after they buy a house because the rent is so cheap - effectively it's a second home.

There's also plenty of corruption. "Knowing a guy" is one of the best ways to get a rent controlled unit since the wait time can be years.

[WalterBright]

> "Knowing a guy" is one of the best ways to get a rent controlled unit since the wait time can be years.

That's how military housing works. There's an underground "economy" of favors.

[ProllyInfamous]

Are these "favors" rank-blind (i.e. does its hushhush-nature more-equalize the men, just trying to secure places to live)? Obviously officers and enlisted have different housing, but might an E-6 kiss an E-5's ass only on account of wanting his soon-to-be-vacated housing?

My background is non-military (with one each, officer & enlisted, brother).

[WalterBright]

Rank does give one priority, but reciprocal favors still play a large role.

[devolving-dev]

Even if they don't benefit economically, there's some value in having them feel that they are valued and have a voice at the table. Such policies can provide the popular support needed to implement other more economically optimal policies, and we're seeing this happen for example with the mayor of New York.