California rental property owners, we have incredible news! Proposition 33, which posed a significant threat to private property rights and the state’s housing market, has been defeated. Over 62% of voters stood together to say “no” to restrictive rent control measures and “yes” to a thriving housing market. Let’s break down what this means for California and the journey that brought us here.
For more information on housing laws, reach out to our Orange County property management company.
Table of Contents
What Was Prop 33?
Proposition 33 aimed to dismantle the Costa-Hawkins Act, which protects private property owners by limiting rent control laws. If Prop 33 had passed, it would have:
- Imposed statewide rent controls, including on houses and condos.
- Allowed restrictive vacancy controls, meaning landlords couldn’t adjust rents to market rates after tenants moved out.
- Discouraged investment in housing, which would have reduced availability and worsened the housing crisis.
Thanks to your voting efforts, Prop 33 has been defeated, preserving private property rights and maintaining the incentives for housing development across the state.
Watch the full breakdown of Prop 33’s defeat in this quick 60-second video:
How We Fought Back: Advocacy in Action
April 2024:
We raised awareness about AB 2216 (The Pet Bill) and voiced concerns to policymakers. We also supported pro-housing candidates like Heather Ferbert, a passionate advocate for housing rights, who is now projected to win the election for San Diego City Attorney.
May 2024:
At the SoCal Rental Housing Association Expo, we deepened our understanding of Prop 33’s potential impact and ramped up our outreach efforts. Inspired by community events like the “Rent Control Resurgence” in San Diego, we created educational content to inform housing providers across the state.
June 2024:
Our coalition with the California Apartment Association, Apartment Owners Association, and the Southern California Rental Housing Association kicked into high gear. Together, we distributed direct mailers, launched social media campaigns, and engaged voters through grassroots advocacy.
Orange County’s Role:
Why This Win Matters
With Prop 33 defeated, California avoids policies that would have stifled housing growth and hurt renters and providers alike. Here’s what it means:
- No expansion of rent control: Housing providers retain the flexibility to manage their properties fairly.
- No harmful vacancy controls: Rents can adjust naturally, keeping housing investments viable.
- A stronger housing market: With fewer restrictive regulations, more housing can be developed, benefiting everyone.
What’s Next for California’s Housing Advocates?
Prop 34: Holding Nonprofits Accountable
Prop 34 is a countermeasure aimed at ensuring nonprofits allocate the majority of their funds toward their designated causes.
Why It Matters: Questions have arisen about organizations like the AIDS Foundation and Michael Weinstein, who have spent substantial amounts campaigning for rent control measures. Prop 34 seeks to promote transparency and proper fund allocation within nonprofits.
Measure CC in Orange County
Santa Ana is considering Measure CC, which would solidify the city’s rent control and just cause eviction ordinances. If passed, these regulations would become permanent, making it impossible for future city councils to repeal or reverse them. This could set a precedent for other cities and affect housing providers significantly.
A Victory Worth Celebrating, but the Work Continues
The defeat of Proposition 33 is a major win for California’s housing market, preserving private property rights and ensuring a stable environment for housing providers and renters alike. This outcome was made possible by months of dedicated advocacy, community engagement, and voter action.
While we celebrate this victory, it’s clear that challenges remain. Upcoming measures like Prop 34 and Measure CC in Orange County could reshape housing policies in significant ways. Staying informed, engaged, and ready to advocate will be crucial in the months ahead.
Thank you to everyone who contributed by voting, spreading awareness, and supporting this cause. Together, we’ve proven that when we work as a united community, we can influence housing policy and protect California’s future.
Prop 33 and California’s Housing Market FAQs
What Was Proposition 33?
Proposition 33 aimed to overturn the Costa-Hawkins Act, allowing statewide rent control on single-family homes, condos, and newly built properties. It also sought to implement strict vacancy controls, limiting how much landlords could charge when a tenant moved out.
Why Was Prop 33 Defeated?
Prop 33 was defeated because over 62% of California voters recognized the negative impact it could have on housing availability and private property rights. A coalition of housing advocates, property owners, and organizations worked together to inform voters and encourage participation in the election.
How Would Prop 33 Have Affected Housing Providers?
If Prop 33 had passed, housing providers would have faced severe restrictions, including rent caps and limited control over their own properties. These regulations would have discouraged investment in rental housing and reduced available housing options for renters.
What Does This Win Mean for California Renters and Property Owners?
The defeat of Prop 33 means:
- No expansion of rent control laws.
- No vacancy controls limiting rent adjustments after tenants move out.
- A stronger housing market that encourages property investment and development.
Who Played a Key Role in Defeating Prop 33?
The victory was driven by a coalition of organizations, including the California Apartment Association, Apartment Owners Association, and Southern California Rental Housing Association. Local housing providers and advocates in counties like Orange County also played a crucial role by spreading awareness and turning out voters.
Steve Welty
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