The reason the market is not working is because of onerous regulation by the government in the first place.

I don't want it both ways.

In fact a land value tax could replace property tax in a revenue neutral fashion, and would incentivize development of property and density, rather than disincentivize those like property tax does.

Of course everyone told you to get a rent controlled place. The government is mandating your landlord gives you money, so why not take it?

The point still stands that rent control is a terrible way to keep rent down, it causes a ton of problems.

Rent controlled places are great for the person living there. But, they’re bad for the supply of housing, which compounds the need for rent controls in the first place.

I live in a city where there are more residential properties than families. Prices are a tiny fraction of what y’all on the coasts cite. Apartments under $1000/month in trendy neighborhoods is common here. I’ve rented small apartments here for $500/month.

Rent controls may slow price increases, but encouraging supply decreases price. You can’t fix the problem until you treat the root cause rather than the symptom.

The US healthcare system is not a free market. In many parts of the country building a new hospital requires government permission. Pharmaceutical drug companies are allowed to set prices at higher prices here than the rest of the world and block imports. Most customers get their healthcare from their employers (due to tax law), so they do not shop around for the best price. Doctors are heavily regulated and it is very difficult for qualified foreign doctors to immigrate to the US.

Do you really think healthcare in the US is a free market?

If you do, you couldn't be more wrong. Healthcare is the most regulated, least free market in the US.

> No surprise there’s so many homeless people.

Pretty sure rent controls would have no effect on the amount of substance abuse and mental illness that plagues so many homeless.