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

New long-term measures will allow ministers to designate parts of the country as rent control areas by 2027.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

Nearby Minneapolis, without rent control, saw a rise in permits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

The city is more welcoming to developers, industry insiders say, with fewer regulations and fees, better planning and less rent control.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

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

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan