What does rent control limit?

Rent control specifically targets the charging practices of landlords, thereby placing a cap on the rent they can demand for their rental properties. This regulation is implemented to ensure that housing remains affordable for tenants, especially in cities facing housing shortages or skyrocketing rental prices. By limiting how much rent can increase annually, rent control aims to provide stability and predictability for renters, allowing them to manage their finances and avoid sudden increases in living costs.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary focus of rent control. While duration of rental agreements, tenant counts, and maintenance fees are relevant aspects of rental agreements or property management, they fall outside the scope of what rent control is designed to regulate. Rent control specifically addresses the rental rate itself rather than any of these other factors.