That's why you sign a lease. You can't raise rent for the duration of the lease. Your landlord should give you notice that the rent will be going up, thus giving you ample time to find a new place. If a tenant wants more stability, then they should consider buying a place.

Also, as a counterpoint, Seattle has no rent control, and the fastest growing population of any large American city yet is able to provide good housing options to people of all incomes. This of course may be due to more liberal zoning laws allowing new housing to be built.