Washington State is looking to cap rent increases to 7% a year. Oregon and California already have state rent regulations.

New York City’s [rent regulation] system covers 2 million people — almost a quarter of the population. San Francisco and Los Angeles — and more recently, St. Paul, Minn., and Montgomery County, Md. — are among the 200 local governments that regulate rents.

More than 30 states "prevent local jurisdictions from enacting rent regulations."

Something needs to be done. It could be rent regulations or required affordable housing. However, government should be careful to not disrupt existing neighborhoods without great considerations to possible zoning changes.

Nearly half of all renters in Knox County considered 'cost-burdened' because of rent prices

Metros where renters are the most overextended in Tennessee