Annotated Bibliography on High Renting Rates in Washington DC Study

This annotated bibliography investigates the complex issue of high renting rates in Washington DC, examining the interplay of economic factors, governmental policies, and population dynamics. The research question focuses on identifying the root causes behind the elevated rental costs. The working thesis posits a correlation between the economic status of residents, government housing regulations, and population variations as key drivers. The bibliography includes summaries of influential works, such as Landis (2010), which highlights the impact of federal housing policies; Fields & Uffer (2016), which analyzes the financialization of rental housing; Collinson (2011), which discusses rent control policies; Favilukis, Ludvigson, & Van Nieuwerburgh (2017), which explores the macroeconomic effects; and Katharine (2013), which examines the link between economic stability and renting. Each entry includes a concise summary and an explanation of its relevance to the research question, thus providing a comprehensive overview of the factors contributing to the high renting rates in Washington DC.

Running head: High Renting Rates in Washington DC Annotated Bibliography 1
High Renting Rates in Washington DC Annotated Bibliography
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High Renting Rates in Washington DC Annotated Bibliography 2
High Renting Rates in Washington DC Annotated Bibliography
Research Question: What are the reasons behind the high renting rates in Washington
DC?
Working Thesis: The changing economic status and living standards of people in the
United States has had a lot of impact on the day to day life activities. One of these aspects
is the high renting rates specifically in Washington DC. Drawing arguments from the
review of relevant literature, it is possible to derive a correlation between the high renting
rates in Washington DC and the economic status, government policies and population
variations. Government policies on regulating housing and renting in Washington DC
ought to be regulated to fit the economic level, population status and living standards of
the people.
Landis, J (2010). Rethinking federal housing policy. Journal of the American Planning
Association 76(3), 319–348.
Summary: This journal adequately details the challenges faced by individuals residing
in the busy urban areas face on a day to day basis. The author cites the issue of stringent
laws and regulations put in place by the Federal government in a bid to control housing in
the states. While putting up the housing facilities the contractors are obliged to adhere to
the stated quality standards which are meant to ensure the safety and health of the tenants
when they begin using the houses. Good quality houses would definitely require the
incorporation of not only highly rate personnel but the available materials to be used as
the building components. Such measures require a lot of resources in addition to other
financial obligations. In line with this, the author points out that the house owners having

High Renting Rates in Washington DC Annotated Bibliography 3
spent so much in putting up their houses in turn charge high rates on the clients in a bid to
balance the books and obtain a tangible return on their investments.
Use in paper: The discussed issues respond to the research question by pointing out
stringent federal laws and policies as one of the possible reasons behind high renting rates
in Washington DC.
Fields, D., &Uffer, S. (2016). The financialisation of rental housing: A comparative
analysis of New York City and Berlin. Urban Studies, 53(7), 1486-1502.
Summary: The paper draws arguments from a variety of comparative case studies and
uses this to highlight the impacts of government policies and hence high renting rates on
the average people in Washington DC. The authors note that the average people in the
streets bear the much of the burden of high rents unlike the high class financially capable
individuals. It is therefore suggested that the government ought to review its policies to
ensure that they are not as stringent without necessarily compromising the safety and
quality standards.
Use in paper: The source was picked because it comprises a detailed discussion of the
research topic. The contributions of the author towards the core topic of discussion would
be fundamental in achieving the objectives of this paper. The arguments are clear, direct
and supported with the right facts which makes the source more informing.
Collinson, R. (2011). Rental housing affordability dynamics, 1990–2009. Cityscape
journal 13(2), 71–103.
Summary: This work outlines the issue of rent controls and wider policies as a major
issue in most states in the US especially Washington and New York. As noted by the

High Renting Rates in Washington DC Annotated Bibliography 4
author, some of the policies on rent control hinder the investors from maximally
exploring their opportunities. Subsequently, instead of venturing in the building and
renting of houses, entrepreneurs choose a different field to invest in. This has led to a
relative decline in the number of houses available for renting in Washington DC. The few
that are available are therefore charged exorbitantly which makes the situation quite
unbearable especially for the low income earners.
Use in paper: The discussions address the research issue in a vivid manner by noting
unavailability of houses, against the high population, as one of the causes of high renting
rates in the region under study
Favilukis, J., Ludvigson, S. C., & Van Nieuwerburgh, S. (2017). The macroeconomic
effects of housing wealth, housing finance, and limited risk sharing in general
equilibrium. Journal of Political Economy, 125(1), 140-223.
Summary: This source draws upon case studies and statistical analysis to monitor the
trends in renting expenses and related challenges as recorded within a period of 5 years.
The connection between economic strength and ability to afford houses is clearly brought
out in this case. The authors argue that hard economic times have led to an increase in
the renting rates as the investors seek to get a good return on their ventures at the expense
of the consumers.
Use in paper: The source is quite reliable as the discussions give a true picture of what
the situation is like in the location under study. The simplicity of the author’s
presentation also made the source a good one with reference to the research issue.

High Renting Rates in Washington DC Annotated Bibliography 5
Katharine, L. (2013). Local Economic Effects of Public Housing in the United States,
1940–1970. Journal of Economic History, 73(1), 2978–1016.
Summary: This paper brings out the distinct link that exists between economic stability
and the aspect of renting not only in Washington but in the United Sates as a whole. The
author looks at the issue from two perspectives. To begin with, she highlights the
economic benefits that renting may introduce in an urban center. Apart from shelter, the
houses can be rented and converted into business premises hence encouraging economic
activities in the area. Good housing also involves proper infrastructure which comes with
a lot of economic advantages to a people. On the other hand, the author notes that highly
rated houses serve as a disadvantage to the economically thwarted individuals. An
example is given of the high number of poor people living in the streets in Washington
and New York an issue which could be attributed to low economic standards. For such
individuals any amount of rent would be deemed as high and unaffordable. The author
therefore inserts low economic standards as one of the reasons for high rents in
Washington.
Use in paper: The arguments are arranged vividly and the discussions flow coherently
hence making this one of the best sources for the research process. The source is also
readily available which makes its easily accessible for the research process.