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Abstract
This thesis examines the spatial distribution of rent-regulated housing and housing mainte- nance code violations and explores the spatial spillover effects of rent regulation on property upkeep. It also analyzes changes in housing conditions before and after the implementation of the Rent Law of 2019, which made it more difficult for property owners to deregulate properties. Utilizing spatial clustering and regression analyses of data from New York City, the study reveals: (1) a spatial overlap and clustering of rent-regulated housing and housing maintenance code violations; (2) a negative impact of rent regulation on housing quality that extends beyond individual census tracts to neighboring areas; and (3) potential exac- erbation of housing maintenance issues following the enactment of stricter rent regulation laws. These findings suggest challenges of rent regulation policies to balance affordability with quality and that these policies might disproportionately affect low-income households who are vulnerable to displacement and rely on rent regulations for housing stability in gentrifying neighborhoods.