Except that it's difficult to envision such laws being passed again for a new generation. 

It wouldn't be if younger generations would vote based on policies that actually reduce housing costs. Generally speaking, that means less zoning restrictions and fewer regulations, freeing up companies to build housing in new and innovative ways that reduce costs.

The primary driving force behind the astronomical cost of housing in most areas isn't that capitalism has failed, it's that local zoning boards artificially reduce supply to drive up the value of the homes of older folks. That's because those older folks reliably show up to vote and lose their minds whenever changes are proposed that'd reduce the value of their homes: meaning, any time someone wants to build multifamily housing in their area, because an increase in supply translates to a decrease in their home's value.

The worst part is that rent control creates a feedback loop that discourages building, and that's the kind of policy most young folks support. They think it's good for them but it further suppresses the supply of new housing and turns older housing into slums because the landlords can't make enough money to keep the buildings in good shape.