While some may dismiss rent control as unrealistic, we can learn from our own city’s example last century to show that this is possible, and, in fact, was once expected. Municipal rent control originally came to be because federal rent control, instituted in select cities during wartime, was rolled back. But 76 years ago, Philadelphians wouldn’t accept that. They rallied against the decision and called on City Council to pass rent control. Although the measure passed unanimously, it was later overturned in 1955, when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court declared it void. Ever since, Philadelphia has been an open market for real estate speculation — and as many can testify, in recent years rents have spiked out of control.
Philly Once Led the Nation on Rent Control
