Measure C - Sacramento Community Stabilization and Fair Rent Charter Amendment

Summary

Measure C has been placed on the ballot by a petition signed by the requisite number of voters. Measure C would add Article XX to the City of Sacramento Charter. Measure C’s main components are: 1. Rental-housing board. The measure establishes an elected rentalhousing board that is independent of the city council, city manager, and city attorney, except by board request. Among other things, the board would be empowered to set rents and determine the permissible annual rent adjustment; establish regulations; conduct investigations; adjudicate petitions; and establish penalties for noncompliance with the measure or regulations. 2. Rent regulation. Landlords may set initial rents at market rates. Landlords cannot increase rents for covered rental units except as authorized by the measure. Annual rate adjustments are tied to increases in the consumer price index, with a minimum increase of 2% and a maximum of 5%. Landlords may petition for a higher increase to ensure a “fair rate of return.” Tenants may petition for a rent decrease for the landlord’s “failure to maintain habitable premises” or a “decrease in housing services or maintenance.” 3 . Eviction protections. Landlords cannot terminate a tenancy unless one of nine specified conditions exists. Under four of those conditions, landlords would be required to provide relocation assistance of at least $5,500.

A "YES" vote on Measure C would be a vote in favor of adding an amendment to the City Charter that would create an elected rental-housing board; regulate rent increases for covered rental units; and specify the conditions under which landlords can terminate tenancies

A "NO" vote on Measure C would be a vote in opposition to adding an amendment to the City Charter that would create an elected rental-housing board; regulate rent increases for covered rental units; and specify the conditions under which landlords can terminate tenancies

Arguments

"Rents skyrocketed 45% from 2012 to 2019. Our leaders failed to provide enough housing that regular people could afford. Seniors, students, teachers, nurses - our neighbors are at risk of losing their homes. The people we need to remain a diverse and economically viable city will be displaced. Measure C will keep families in their homes and provide essential relief for workers at a time when they need it most.", in support of Measure C (Learn more)

"On August 13, 2019, the Sacramento City Council passed the strongest rent control and renter protections in our city’s history. Rent increases are capped at five percent plus CPI and the law ensures that renters cannot be unfairly evicted from their homes. If Measure C passes, it will override the progressive and balanced rent control reforms now in effect and make it more difficult to expand our existing housing supply.", in opposition to Measure C (Learn more)

"Measure C has no provisions to build more affordable or middle class housing in our city and does nothing to address homelessness on our streets. It is both unnecessary and risks the slowdown of desperately needed housing in Sacramento.", in opposition to Measure C (Learn more)

"Measure C will make it harder to remove barriers for the construction of more housing in Sacramento at a time when we face housing shortages and a severe lack of affordable housing for families , young people and seniors . Meas ure C is not the answer.", in opposition to Measure C (Learn more)

"Measure C limits rent increases to inflation and prevents unjust evictions by requiring a reasonable cause to evict a renter. Measure C creates a democratically elected, independent board that will balance the interests of landlords and renters alike. It is designed and developed to ensure everyone's needs are met. Measure C guarantees property owners a fair profit and allows them to evict problem renters, while guaranteeing renters a predictable price they can afford.", in support of Measure C (Learn more)

Measure Details