Rent-control policies likely ‘fueled’ SF gentrification, Stanford economists say

Rent control policies in San Francisco may have fueled gentrification, Stanford economists say.

Stanford economists Rebecca Diamond and Tim McQuade, who published their findings last month, said occupants of rent-controlled apartments built before 1980 are 20 percent more likely to stay than other renters. 

It might seem that rent-control policies, therefore, act as a bastion against gentrification, by allowing and encouraging long-term residents to stay, but the researchers say that’s not exactly the case.