Proposition 21 would amend the state law to allow local governments to establish rent control in residential properties over 15 years old. It allows local limits on annual rent increase to differ from current statewide limits.
Renters in California compete for living space and typically pay 50 percent more for housing than renters in other states. Current state law limits rent increases for most rental housing in California. This law lasts until Jan. 1, 2030, but the proposition will allow cities and counties to apply rent control to more properties than under current law.
Proponents believe the proposition will make housing more affordable and keep families in their homes by tackling one of the root causes of the housing crisis.
The endorsements for 21 include those from The California Democratic Party; Dolores Huerta, president of The Dolores Huerta Foundation; Kevin De Leon, President pro Tempore emeritus, California State Senate; and Cynthia Davis, chair of the board of directors for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
Opponents believe the proposition will make the housing crisis worse.
“This is just a way to circumvent the legislature,” said Ed Sanders. “When you paint with a broad stroke with a ballot measure like this, there are consequences for the community.”
“In the long run, Proposition 21 will cause small property owners to lose their property,” said Diane Robertson, founder of the Coalition of Small Rental Property Owners, a new and growing grassroots alliance of “mom-and-pop” owners advocating for the rights of small rental property owners and the viability of the rental housing industry.
The “NO” campaign is also supported by Armen Ross, president/CEO of the Crenshaw Chamber of Commerce
“Accumulating generational wealth for your family is the American dream,” Ross said.”This proposition will stymie those dreams.”
