rent control

American  

noun

1. government control over the amount of rent charged, as for housing.

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rent control British  

noun

1. regulation by law of the rent a landlord can charge for domestic accommodation and of his right to evict tenants

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Other Word Forms

• rent-controlled
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of rent control

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

When it comes to tenants, Steyer wants to expand the state renter’s tax credit and preserve its rent control framework that he says balances the need for more construction and protection of tenants.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Zoning restrictions, permitting delays, environmental reviews, rent control and eviction hurdles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

San Diego doesn’t have traditional rent control, though it does enforce less restrictive statewide tenant protections.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

For instance, if he wants to freeze rents for subsidised housing, he can appoint people aligned with this policy on the city's rent control board.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2026

But the couple saw through her ruse to get around rent control.

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan