The Impact of the Chainsaw-Liberation on the Rental Housing Market in Buenos Aires

Martin Elfert () and Stephan Thomsen
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Martin Elfert: Leibniz University of Hannover

No 18107, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: This paper examines the effects of Argentina’s repeal of the rental law in December 2023, one of the most radical housing policy reforms in Latin America in recent decades. Using weekly data for Buenos Aires from 2023–2024 and applying a Regression Discontinuity Design, we provide causal evidence on short-term supply and price effects. Our results indicate a substantial revival of rental housing supply, while nominal and real rents declined, contrary to theoretical expectations of sharp increases. These findings suggest that deregulation mobilized previously withheld units, temporarily alleviating excess demand. Given Argentina’s volatile context, conclusions remain preliminary yet policy-relevant.

Keywords: evaluation; deregulation; rent control; RDD; Argentina (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: K25 R31 R38 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-09
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-law
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Working Paper: The Impact of the Chainsaw-Liberation on the Rental Housing Market in Buenos Aires (2025)
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