California rent control ballot measure prompts fierce fight

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Californians who rent apartments built after 1995, single-family homes or condominiums have limited protections from rising costs under a state law passed that year that restricts rent control.

That could change if voters pass Proposition 10 in November. It would overturn the 1995 law and open the door to more rent control in cities and counties across the state.

It’s one of the highest-profile and most expensive issues this election season as California faces a massive housing shortage and steeply climbing rents. Early voting begins Monday.

Proposition 10 supporters argue rent control is necessary to keep low-income and disenfranchised Californians in their homes as prices rise.

Opponents argue it will decrease the state’s already low housing supply and stifle building by lowering real estate values.

Part of AP’s California election package