Contrary to popular opinion, morality is encouraged in capitalism. Without honesty and reliability, markets do not function: an untrusted operator within the market will suffer. Trust is an economic advantage, and it is the government’s role to create an environment in which honesty flourishes via the dependability of laws and consistency in their application. Dishonesty becomes an advantage only when governments intervene - businesses find workarounds and exploits because honest behaviour is no longer financially possible or competitively advantageous. Rent controls are an example of measures that encourage economically harmful behaviour, disincentivising landlords to maintain unprofitable accommodation or maintain safety standards.

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