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  • June 2023
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Rent Control in Boston, Again?

By: Robin Greenwood, Richard S. Ruback, Robert Ialenti and Tom Quinn
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:11
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Abstract

This case explores the merits and drawbacks of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s proposal to bring rent control back to the city in 2023. It lays out the features, objectives, and potential unintended consequences of this policy, before highlighting the expected impact of rent control on tenants, landlords, and developers. In addition, the case looks back at Massachusetts’ long history with rent control to better understand whether rent stabilization efforts enacted in the 1970s and repealed in 1994, following a narrowly decided state-wide referendum, were effective in increasing local housing supply and easing rents in the Boston area.

Keywords

Renting or Rental; Housing; Urban Development; Policy; Boston; Massachusetts

Citation

Greenwood, Robin, Richard S. Ruback, Robert Ialenti, and Tom Quinn. "Rent Control in Boston, Again?" Harvard Business School Case 223-083, June 2023.
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About The Authors

Robin Greenwood

Finance
→More Publications

Richard S. Ruback

Finance
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    gWorks

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    Skills-First Talent Management: The Importance of Managers

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More from the Authors
  • gWorks By: Richard S. Ruback and Royce G. Yudkoff
  • Skills-First Talent Management: The Importance of Managers By: Boris Groysberg, Nicole Zelazko, Tom Quinn, Robin Abrahams, Izzy Yeoh and Colleen Ammerman
  • Heritage Holding By: Richard S. Ruback and Royce Yudkoff
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