The consequences of the Swedish rent control system on labor income: Evidence from a randomized apartment lottery

Abstract

Using a unique randomized rental apartment lottery in Stockholm metropolitan statistical area, this paper analyses behavioral effects on individuals receiving a rent-controlled contract in the Swedish rent control program. The result shows that receiving a rent-controlled contract reduces the annual labor income by 13 to 20 percent and employment by 8 to 13 percent. To some extent, these effects can be explained by an increased propensity to enter higher education.