The California Apartment Association (CAA) has issued a warning to its members regarding an upcoming statewide ballot measure, known as the Justice for Renters Act. According to CAA, this measure poses a significant threat to rental housing providers and could potentially overturn the state’s most crucial rental housing law. Spearheaded by activist Michael Weinstein, the Justice for Renters Act aims to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act which exempts certain properties from rent control laws.
CAA emphasizes that this exemption has been instrumental in promoting new rental unit development throughout California, particularly in communities with existing rent control policies. If passed, however, the Justice for Renters Act would open up opportunities for extreme rent control measures similar to those seen in cities like Berkeley and San Francisco before Costa-Hawkins was enacted.
In response to this potential threat, CAA is leading a campaign against the measure and urging all stakeholders within the industry to join their efforts. This is not unfamiliar territory for CAA as they have previously successfully opposed Propositions 10 and 21 on behalf of their members’ interests.