November 2026 rent control and just cause eviction ballot measure
Redwood City
Summary
A voter initiative with 4,751 valid signatures would cap rent increases at 60% of CPI (max 5%) for pre-1995 units, require $12,000+ relocation payments, and add tenant protections citywide. The council must either adopt it or put it on the November ballot, and ordered a supplemental impact report first.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 1
Last discussed Jul 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
A consultant estimated $4-$10 million a year in city administration costs plus $300,000-$700,000 startup, to be covered by landlord fees of roughly $338-$445 per unit per year — but the ordinance bars using the general fund, creating a funding puzzle.
Renters — about 48% of the city's households — would get lower rent growth and stronger eviction protections.
Small landlords facing fee burdens and capped rents, and nonprofit affordable housing providers (about 625 units) whose limited rent growth could strain maintenance budgets.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Campaign contributions to No on E more than double Measure proponents’
Leaders with Faith in Action Bay Area and other community members demonstrate in support of Measure E . Photo by Miranda de Moraes. Opponents of Measure E, a rent control initiative in Redwood City, have far ou...
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Financing Agency Regular Meeting - Jul 27, 2026
A citizen initiative would cap rent increases on pre-1995 housing and add just-cause eviction rules citywide. The council formally opposed it, citing $5-11 million in annual program costs, impacts on affordable housing nonprofits, and effects on small landlords; the mayor and Chu will write the ballot argument.
City Council (Special) - Jul 7, 2026
A citizen initiative would cap rent increases at 60% of CPI, roll rents back to October 2025, ban utility pass-throughs, and require $12,000+ relocation payments for no-fault evictions. The council sent it to the November 3 ballot after a consultant report showed the program would cost $5–11 million a year, covered only partially by the initiative's own fees. Several council members said they'll campaign against it.
City Council/Successor Agency/Public Financing Agency Regular Meeting - Jun 8, 2026
A voter initiative with 4,751 valid signatures would cap rent increases at 60% of CPI (max 5%) for pre-1995 units, require $12,000+ relocation payments, and add tenant protections citywide. The council must either adopt it or put it on the November ballot, and ordered a supplemental impact report first.
Special City Council Meeting - BCC Interviews - May 18, 2026
Rhovy Antonio of the California Apartment Association presented data showing 91% of Redwood City rental buildings are Class C (older, smaller, naturally affordable), arguing tenant policies shouldn't disincentivize repairs.
CAA pushes back as tenant groups pursue Redwood City rent control measure
CAA pushes back as tenant groups pursue Redwood City rent control measure The California Apartment Association
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