Final answer:
Rent controls lead to a decrease in the quantity and quality of rental housing, rather than an increase in availability or lower housing costs for all residents.
Step-by-step explanation:
Price ceilings, such as rent controls, have various effects on the rental housing market. Contrary to popular belief, rent controls do not simply benefit renters at the expense of landlords. When rent control is imposed, landlords may decide to reduce the number of rental units available in the area, leading to a decrease in the quantity and quality of rental housing.
In addition, rent control may result in landlords spending less on maintenance, leading to lower quality housing. Furthermore, some renters may lose their housing as landlords convert apartments to co-ops and condos.
Overall, rent controls cause a net harm to society, as the losses, such as the decrease in rental housing availability and quality, outweigh the benefits of lower housing costs for some residents.