Rent control initiative qualifies for November ballot

An initiative to expand local governments’ authority to enact rent control on certain properties qualified for the November ballot Monday. 

Supporters are calling it the "Rental Affordability Act.” It would allow local governments to establish rent control on residential properties over 15 years old.

Under California law, however, the measure also provides that rent control policies may not violate landlords' "right to a fair financial return on their property." Supporters are hoping this could help impact the affordable housing and homelessness problems across the state. 

Data published by USC shows that 56% of renters here in the Coachella Valley are “rent-burdened,” meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities. This can often force families to make sacrifices when it comes to food, clothing transportation, or education to name a few. 

Supporters of this new rent control initiative are hoping it can help people in similar situations across the state. They say they’re ready to fight for the initiative and housing affordability come November.