Proposition 10 is a measure that would allow local governments to establish rent control. 

The proposition, which was put on the ballots following a petition, will further repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act of 1995.

“Costa-Hawkins puts strong limits on local governments’ abilities to institute rent control,” said Political Science Professor Daniel Aseltine. “If Prop 10 succeeds, cities and counties will be able to establish rent control on all types of rental housing.”  

Aseltine said that local governments would have “greater political power” if Proposition 10 is passed.

Aseltine said supporters of Proposition 10 are advocating for social justice.

“Proponents, including California’s Democratic party, believe that landlords are in a fundamentally unfair position to gouge powerless tenants who face the threat of eviction and possible homelessness,” Aseltine said.

Aseltine further said that people who oppose the proposition are “conservative advocates of free markets.”

“Opponents, including California’s Republican party, feel that the supply of new housing coming onto the market will be diminished if investors perceive their chances of a reasonable return on their money are being subjected to government over-regulation,” Aseltine said.  

Aseltine said the approval of Proposition 10 could impact students.

“To the extent that students or their families are renters, I would think that Prop 10 might provide some short-term economic relief,” Aseltine said. “On the other hand, if students or their families are homeowners, the impact of Prop 10 might be minimal.”

Students like Carlee Mae, a 24-year-old communications major, said they believe Proposition 10 would regulate rent control.
“It’s designed to hopefully institute a way for our government to be able to have policies on rent control,” Mae said.  “It doesn’t really set rent control directly but it’s basically us giving the government permission to set those kinds of policies in place.”

Mae said she voted in favor of the proposition in hopes of it making it easier for families and other renters to have an apartment.

However, other students like Jessica Gipe, a 27-year-old undeclared major, said they don’t have opinions on Proposition 10 or on rent control.

“It’s not really something I’ve run into in person, so it’s not really something I’ve had a chance to form strong opinions on,” Gipe said.

Going into the midterms, Aseltine said the question voters should answer is whether or not rental housing is a “fundamental” human right.

“If you think it is a right, you should support Prop 10,” Aseltine said. “If you think housing is something you earn, then you’ll end up opposing Prop 10.”