ANALYZING RENT CONTROL: THE CASE OF LOS ANGELES

Abstract

An accurate assessment of the economic effects of a rent control law requires that both the specific provisions of the ordinance and the characteristics of the local housing market be considered. Examining the case of Los Angeles we conclude: First, most of the transfers from landlords to tenants were realized early in the law's life, while most of the economic cost of rent control was incurred later. Second, ordinance provisions aimed at increasing landlords' incentives to maintain rent‐controlled dwellings also markedly reduce the size of the transfers to tenants. These results, we think, will apply to other jurisdictions.