A proposal to expand local governments’ authority to enact rent control on residential properties is gaining momentum in California. While similar propositions faced defeats in past elections — losing by 19 points in 2018 and 20 points in 2020 — Proposition 33 shows signs of potential success, according to a Public Policy Institute of California survey conducted from Aug. 29 to Sept.
9. Among likely voters, 51% indicate they would support the measure, compared to 46% who oppose it. Michael Weinstein, head of the Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation and chief financial backer of the previous rent-control campaigns, expressed optimism, saying that the third time may be the charm.
, which is on the November ballot, aims to lift long-standing restrictions on rent control. Currently, the n While a more imposes a statewide cap on rent increases of 5% plus inflation, with an absolute maximum of 10%, tenant advocates argue that this ceiling remains too high. If passed, Prop.
33 would allow local governments to regulate rents for all types of housing, including newly constructed units and rentals for new tenants. “The potential for strict rent control across all housing types would deter investment in new housing construction, exacerbating California’s already dire housing shortage,” says Mike Nemeth, communications director for the California Apartment Association. Related Story: According to the , nearly 30% of renters in the state spend more than half their inco.
