This article by the Bay Citizen journalist, Scott James, brings up some interesting points about rent control laws in San Francisco. When rent increases are limited each year to below the inflation factor, yet the costs to the landlords to maintain the building rise at a steeper climb than the rents, it makes it difficult for small-building landlords to pay the taxes and keep the buildings in good shape.

Do the artificially low rents end up subsidizing renters who can afford market rate rents?

The question is raised, should rent control laws be means tested by income levels?

… a new city analysis shows that for the first time upper-income households (annual incomes over $107,000) outnumber the poor (incomes under $35,000), 29 percent to 27 percent. From www.baycitizen.org (share this quote)