Prop 33

Many cities limit the amount a landlord can raise the rent each year — a policy known as rent control. But for nearly 30 years, California has imposed limits on those limits, via a law known as Costa-Hawkins. Cities cannot set rent control on single-family homes or apartments built after 1995. And landlords are free to set their own rental rates when new tenants move in.

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However, if Proposition 33 passes in November, that would change. Cities would be allowed to control rents on any type of housing, including single-family homes and new apartments built after 1995, and for new tenants.

Why is it on the November ballot?

Nearly 30% of California renters spend more than half their income on rent, higher than in any other state except Florida and Louisiana.

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To change that, tenant advocates have been fighting Costa-Hawkins for years, but so far, without success. Lawmakers also tried with legislation.

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While those efforts failed, Gov. Gavin Newsom did sign a law limiting annual rent increases statewide to 5% plus inflation with a cap of 10%.

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Supporters of Prop. 33 say that doesn’t go far enough. They hope this finally is the year to upend the decades-old rules controlling rent control.

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But landlord groups opposing the idea tend to have very deep pockets and have been willing to spend a small fortune to convince voters that rent control is not the answer to the state’s housing crisis.

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