California Cities Set November Rent Control Votes

Bay Area voters will consider competing rent-control measures in November, with San Pablo’s Measure S proposing a 3% annual cap—or 60% of local inflation, whichever is lower—alongside eviction protections, a city complaint process and relocation assistance. Supporters say the measure would help renters facing rising housing costs, while opponents warn it could impose substantial costs on landlords and the city, which is already confronting budget pressures. Redwood City’s Measure E would cap increases at 5% for certain older properties, potentially roll some rents back to 2025 levels, and expand tenant protections and relocation assistance. Tenant advocates and some city officials argue the measure is needed to preserve housing for service workers and families, while landlord groups say existing state and local protections are sufficient and that tighter controls could raise operating costs and drive rental owners out of the market.