Most urban areas are faced with a shortage of affordable housing. In some cities, the scarcity of affordable housing presents a legitimate threat to the public welfare. In response to a real or potential affordable housing crisis, many communities use rent control as a means to preserving the ever dwinndling supply of affordable housing. Landlords attack rent controls on various constitutional grounds. This article examines rent control policy, analyzes important rulings from the federal and state courts, and evaluates the constitutional issues at stake.