I could see several possibilities: The effect of a tax increase is more distributed so that it is less likely to be directly passed on to consumers. Increasin

I could see several possibilities: The effect of a tax increase is more distributed so that it is less likely to be directly passed on to consumers. Increasing taxes shifts the burden more indirectly so it is less likely to be directly passed on to consumers. With rent assistance the landlords continue to receive rent, so it may be easier for them to absorb the costs. Since people receiving rent assistance can keep receiving the assistance if they move to a better deal, competition between landlords is still in place.