A masterful, human-centered defense of rent control

This review is part of a special collaboration between Planetizen and Booked on Planning, a biweekly podcast where AICP planner Stephanie Rouse and Jennifer Hiatt chat with authors of the latest books shaping urban planning today. Listen to the episode with today’s author in the player below. 

Lauren E.M. Everett’s "Fortunate People in a Fortunate Land: At Home in Santa Monica’s Rent Controlled Housing" is exactly the book the housing policy debate has been missing. National conversations have focused heavily on solving the housing crisis by reducing regulations and building more housing, but have yet to consider ways to support existing housing affordability. While economists love to argue about rent control using dry numbers and abstract graphs, Everett takes a new approach. By shifting the focus away from spreadsheet data and focusing on the lived experiences of the tenants themselves, Everett delivers a groundbreaking, empathetic work that redefines how we talk about housing policy in America. It shifts the concept of housing from a commodity to its intended use — shelter.

Centering her research in Santa Monica, California — a city in which she was born and raised but no longer lives — Everett conducts deep, poignant interviews with low- and middle- income residents navigating private market, rent-controlled housing. What emerges from listening to these stories is a profound exploration of the emotional, psychological and social considerations of "home." Everett brilliantly illustrates that rent control is not just a financial mechanism; it is an anchor for psychological stability, deeply-rooted community ties and a true sense of belonging in one’s community. As more communities adopt these approaches, the positive impact becomes self-evident, creating a ripple effect that enhances the quality of life for all residents.

The book’s greatest strength is its ability to ground heavy, systemic policy choices in daily human realities. Everett challenges the conventional economic critiques of rent control by proving that standard models routinely leave out the unquantifiable value of residential stability. Rent control policies can be implemented at no cost. By setting landlord registration fees appropriately, these fees can be shared with tenants, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement for both landlords and tenants. This approach not only provides an immediate mechanism to stabilize housing but ensures fairness and sustainability.

Everett’s proposal presents a compelling case for rethinking how we approach renter stability. By focusing on practical, cost-neutral solutions, we can collectively work towards ensuring that everyone has access to secure housing without additional financial burdens. If you care about renter’s rights, community preservation or the future of our cities, you need to read this book to understand what it truly takes to make our cities livable for everyone.