Voters in six Bay Area cities in four Bay Area counties will determine the outcome of eight ballot measures on rent and eviction control. Two of the cities will have city council-sponsored measures competing against voter initiatives.
From an economist's perspective, rent control is a loser. That's the thrust of a comprehensive piece on Bay Area rent and eviction control ballot measures by Kathleen Pender, San Francisco Chronicle business columnist (as well as a Planetizen blog post last year by Michael Lewyn).
Pender presents surveys and studies that back-up that perspective. The onus of maintaining affordability for regulated buildings is placed on landlords and newer tenants without doing anything to address the greater problem, lack of housing supply.
At the same time, it's easy to understand why these measures get on the ballot in the Bay Area.
Since 2010, the average asking rent for units of all sizes in the nine-county Bay Area has risen by roughly $1,000, or 66 percent, to $2,504, according to Novato research firm Real Answers.
And then there are the egregious examples of rent increases and evictions that occur in many of the region's communities. For example, the plight of a 97-year-old Burlingame resident (see 'Measure R' below) served a 60-day eviction notice after living in her rental for 66 years was reported in the Daily Mail (United Kingdom) on Feb. 24. On March 6, the paper reported she died.
What's particularly helpful is that Pender explains California legislation that places limits on the protections that ballot measures can seek.
For example, renters living in 21-year old or newer apartment buildings "and all single-family home and condos" can not be protected by rent control measures per the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act [PDF-Calif. Apartment Association].
It also said that when tenants voluntarily vacate a rent-controlled unit, owners can charge the next tenant market rates, but after that it becomes subject to the annual rent control limit.
However, all rentals, regardless of age and building type, are not exempt from eviction control measures placed on the ballot, allowing "cities to limit evictions to specified just causes, including those allowed under a 1985 law known as the Ellis Act," writes Pender, though some of the below measures "also exempt single-family homes and newer condos from eviction controls."
- Alameda County [PDF]: Alameda: Measures L1, a city council initiative and M1, a voter initiative
- Oakland — Measure JJ, a city council initiative
- Contra Costa County [PDF]: Richmond — Measure L, a city council initiative
- San Mateo County: Burlingame — Measure R, voter initiative
- San Mateo — Measure Q, voter initiative
- Santa Clara County [PDF]: Mountain View — Measures V, a voter initiative, and W, a city council initiative
Pender describes the basics of each of the above ballot measures.
Related Planetizen posts:
- On the Bay Area's Peninsula: A Reborn Tenants' Rights Movement, June 13, 2016.
-
Housing Crisis Leads to Renewed Support For Rent Control, June 1, 2016
-
The Economics of Rent Control (blog), September 21, 2015
-
Reconsidering Rent Control, April 4, 2015
FULL STORY: Rent control spreading to Bay Area suburbs, to economists’ dismay
'By the Numbers': California Shows How to Reopen Safely
Unlike other states that lifted restrictions statewide after coronavirus cases plummeted, California replaced its regional stay-home order with a county-based blueprint, permitting counties to advance based on performance in three health metrics.
Bay Area Ordered to Shelter in Place
Six Bay Area counties have taken drastic action to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus. "Please read this Order carefully. Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both."
San Francisco Voters Express Frustration with Tent Living
Voters appear to have passed the most contentious ballot measure in San Francisco, Proposition Q, that allows city workers to remove tent encampments if shelter is available. Voters in other Bay Area counties passed taxes for affordable housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)