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California Voters Reject Proposition 33 on Rent Control with 64.1% Opposed

Nov 6, 2024, 04:36 AM

California voters have rejected Proposition 33, a ballot measure that would have expanded rent control across the state by allowing local governments to impose their own regulations. The measure aimed to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act of 1995, which limits cities' ability to implement rent control. Early returns on Tuesday night showed 64.1% of voters opposed the proposition, with only 35.9% in support. This marks the third time a measure to repeal Costa-Hawkins has been on the ballot since 2018, with previous attempts in 2018 and 2020 also failing by significant margins. Opponents of Proposition 33 argued that it could stifle new construction, as new developments would not be exempt from rent control regulations. The measure was backed by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which saw it as a final push for rent control in the state. Polling showed the measure was facing a tight race.