Polanski Says Local Mayors Should Be Given Power Over Rent Controls

A growing debate over housing affordability has taken a new turn after Polanski, a prominent lawmaker and urban policy advocate, called for local mayors to be granted greater authority over rent control policies. Speaking at a regional housing conference this week, Polanski argued that city leaders are best positioned to understand the unique housing pressures in their communities and should have the power to adjust rent regulations accordingly.
The proposal has sparked widespread discussion among housing advocates, landlords, economists, and tenant groups, highlighting the ongoing struggle to balance affordability with sustainable housing development.
A Call for Local Decision-Making
Polanski’s argument centers on the idea that housing markets vary significantly from city to city. While some urban centers face severe shortages and skyrocketing rents, others struggle with declining populations and vacant properties.
“A one-size-fits-all policy does not work for housing,” Polanski said. “Mayors are on the front lines of this crisis. They know where families are being pushed out, where development is stalled, and where regulations need to be adjusted.”
Under current law in many regions, rent control policies are set at the state or national level, leaving local governments with limited flexibility. Polanski believes this structure prevents quick responses to sudden changes in housing demand, such as population growth or economic downturns.
Support from Local Governments
Several mayors have welcomed the proposal, saying it would allow them to tailor housing policy to local realities. Leaders from high-cost cities argue that stronger rent protections are needed to prevent displacement of low- and middle-income residents.
“We are losing teachers, nurses, and service workers because they can no longer afford to live in the communities they serve,” said one city mayor. “Local authority over rent control would give us a tool to stabilize neighborhoods.”
Some smaller municipalities also expressed interest, noting that flexible rent policies could encourage investment where housing stock is aging or underused.
Concerns from Property Owners
Landlord associations and real estate groups have raised concerns that expanding mayoral power over rent controls could discourage construction and maintenance of rental housing. They warn that strict limits on rent increases could reduce profits and make it harder for property owners to cover rising costs for repairs, taxes, and utilities.
“Rent control, if misused, can shrink the housing supply,” said a spokesperson for a property owners’ organization. “Giving local politicians unchecked authority could create uncertainty for investors and developers.”
Economists remain divided on the issue. Some studies suggest rent control helps protect vulnerable tenants in the short term, while others show it can lead to reduced housing availability over time.
Tenant Advocates Applaud the Idea
Tenant rights groups have praised Polanski’s proposal, calling it a step toward addressing what they describe as a housing emergency. They argue that rent increases have outpaced wages for years, forcing families to spend an unsustainable share of their income on housing.
“People are choosing between rent and food,” said a housing activist. “Local governments need real power to intervene when markets fail.”
Advocates say mayors are more accountable to residents than distant state agencies, making them more responsive to community needs. They also point out that local control could allow for targeted protections for seniors, low-income households, and essential workers.
Political and Legal Challenges
Granting mayors authority over rent control would require changes to existing laws, a process that could face resistance from lawmakers concerned about fragmentation of housing policy. Some legislators fear that different rules in neighboring cities could create confusion and drive renters and investors to relocate unpredictably.
Legal experts note that rent control has long been a controversial subject, with court cases challenging its constitutionality and economic impact. Any shift in authority would need clear guidelines to prevent abuse and ensure fairness.
“There must be safeguards,” said a constitutional law professor. “Local power must come with transparency and limits.”
A Broader Housing Crisis
Polanski’s proposal comes amid a wider conversation about how to solve housing shortages and affordability problems. Governments are experimenting with zoning reforms, public housing investments, and tax incentives for developers.
Many analysts argue that rent control alone cannot fix the crisis and must be paired with policies that increase housing supply. Without new construction, they warn, price pressures will continue regardless of who sets the rules.
“The real challenge is building enough homes,” said an urban economist. “Rent control is only one piece of a much larger puzzle.”
Public Reaction
Public response has been mixed. Some residents see the proposal as overdue and necessary, while others worry it could backfire.
“I trust my mayor more than distant politicians,” said one renter. “At least they see what’s happening in our streets.”
A property owner offered a different view: “Housing policy should be stable and predictable. Constant changes at the local level could make things worse.”
What Comes Next
Polanski plans to introduce legislation that would allow cities to opt into localized rent control frameworks, subject to oversight and periodic review. The proposal will likely face intense debate in the coming months as lawmakers, advocacy groups, and industry representatives weigh its potential impact.
Whether the plan moves forward or not, it has reignited a critical discussion about who should control housing policy and how best to protect both tenants and the long-term health of housing markets.
As rent continues to rise in many parts of the country, the question remains unresolved: should housing decisions be made from the top down, or from the city hall up? Polanski’s proposal suggests the future of rent control may depend on trusting local leaders with greater responsibility—and greater accountability.