While that is true, it is a separate issue than what GP raised. In fact, the point you raises goes in the opposite direction - it makes rent control far worse a

While that is true, it is a separate issue than what GP raised. In fact, the point you raises goes in the opposite direction - it makes rent control far worse and more damaging! Locking in pre-existing claims to land (renters being allowed to stay as long as they want at cheap prices) and restrictive zoning laws BOTH serve to constrict the housing supply. Because land is already a finite resource, any restriction on how many housing units per parcel of land can be built is an even more harmful policy.