[Brett66]

I don't live in New York so this is an alien concept to me. I can't believe the owner can't set his own rates. I would kick her @ss out and find someone willing to pay reasonable rates. </mean Republican capitalist>

[general_re]

Guess what? The law in NYC doesn't let you indulge your mean republican capitalist instincts - you're not allowed to do that. Now, knowing that, would you get into the landlord business in NYC?

Yeah, me either. And that's why there's not nearly enough residential housing in NYC - because potential landlords aren't as stupid as the NYC Department of Housing thinks they are.

[Conservative til I die]

What's funny is that this idiot flake (her pic is in the print edition, and she looks EXACTLY like I expected) whines that if she has to move from this cheap place, she won't be able to find anothe rone as cheap. Well, honey, do like everyon else and find one that fits according to your budget.

[NickRails]

Rent control was established during WWII to prevent landlords from gouging workers who came to NY to support the war effort, such as working in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Since rent control was established, there has been a housing emergency, which is described as a vacancy rate of less than 5%.

There are many things wrong with rent control.

1. It's not socialism in that it's not based on ability to pay, it's based on that you were lucky. If it was based on ability to pay, it would be somewhat more palatable.

2. It locks people into a paticular apartment. There are plenty of elderly who would give up their $400 3 bedroom apts for a smaller one, but if they do their rent would increase. So they stay, and waste space.