Widespread Rent Control Laws Advance Amid Housing Affordability Crises

High demand and limited supply continue to characterize rental housing markets in places like Devon, where new legislation aims to balance tenant and landlord interests but may prompt some landlords to sell properties, worsening shortages. Canadian data shows a significant shift towards rental housing, with purpose-built rentals accounting for 70% of new housing starts, reflecting both government support and developers' response to decreased condominium sales. In contrast, Saskatchewan faces soaring rents without statutory rent control, leading seniors and other tenants to seek government intervention amid rising affordability and homelessness concerns. Scotland has enacted a landmark Housing Bill instituting rent control measures to curb sharply rising rents, especially in cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh, marking a significant victory for tenant advocacy groups. These developments illustrate a global trend of increasing rental market pressures and regulatory efforts aimed at protecting tenants and addressing housing affordability crises. Meanwhile, unrelated to housing, the fashion industry is seeing a rise in clothing rental services promoting sustainability and accessibility, but this topic lies outside the central theme of housing and rental market issues.