Prop 33: Expanding Local Authority for Rent Control
Proposition 33
Prop 33 aims to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, allowing cities and counties in California to enact stronger rent control measures.
If passed, it would significantly impact housing affordability and local control over rental markets.
Read below to learn about what this means for San Francisco
California stands at a crossroads in its ongoing struggle with housing affordability.
This November, voters will face a decision that could reshape the landscape of rent control across the state. Proposition 33, a ballot measure with far-reaching implications, has ignited passionate debate among housing advocates, property owners, and policymakers alike.
As San Francisco grapples with its own housing crisis, the potential impact of this proposition looms large over our city's future. In this post, we'll explore the key points of Proposition 33, its potential effects on San Francisco's housing market, and why our organization has chosen to support this controversial measure.
Key Points:
If passed, Proposition 33 has the potential of making several landmark changes to housing, especially in San Francisco
Repeals the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act of 1995, which set limits on rent controls
Extends rent control to buildings constructed between 1979 and 2024
Permits rent control on single-family homes and condominiums
Permits cities to limit rent increases when new tenants move in
Prohibits state interference in local rent control ordinances
Why We Support Proposition 33
As an organization dedicated to affordable housing access and tenant protections, we believe Proposition 33 aligns with our goals by:
Empowering local communities to address their specific housing needs through expanded rent control options
Potentially reducing homelessness by stabilizing rents for vulnerable populations
Addressing the reality that many Californians struggle with unaffordable housing costs
What do others think?
Critics fear that expanding rent control could reduce housing supply as property owners may be discouraged from investing in new developments. Financially, opponents argue that rent-controlled properties may see a decline in value, leading to reduced property tax revenues for local governments.
Developers also express that strict rent control could deter new construction, and some highlight the risk of developers having less money to keep units maintained.
In spite of these arguments, proponents believe that the immediate effects of Prop 33 can outweigh the downsides of rent control. With over 1/3 of San Francisco residents facing a significant rent burden (spending 30% of gross income or more on rent) and eviction filings returning to their pre-pandemic levels, thousands of vulnerable families in San Francisco can immediately benefit from expanded rent control coverage.
The choice is yours.
Proposition 33 represents a pivotal moment in California's approach to housing policy.
While its passage would undoubtedly bring significant changes to our rental landscape, we believe these changes are necessary to address the urgent housing needs of our communities. The debate surrounding this measure reflects the complexity of balancing tenant protections with property rights and market dynamics.
As we approach the November ballot, we encourage all voters to carefully consider the potential impacts of Proposition 33 on their communities and the state as a whole. Regardless of the outcome, this proposition has already succeeded in bringing critical housing issues to the forefront of public discourse, paving the way for continued dialogue and action in addressing California's housing challenges.
Voting resources:
California Secretary of State: For voter registration services and information in multiple languages.
Vote411.org: A nonpartisan resource that provides personalized voting information based on your address, including registration status and polling locations.
San Francisco Department of Elections: Learn how to register, update voter registration, and details about polling places.
Accessible Vote-by-Mail (AVBM): Provides options for voters needing accessibility assistance.