California rent control could significantly change under proposed 2018 ballot initiative

(FOX 11) - With rent skyrocketing out of control in California a potential new 2018 statewide ballot initiative filed Monday would allow cities and counties to greatly expand rent control to newer properties.

If this initiative advances to the November 2018 ballot the measure would revoke California's Costa-Hawkins 1995 Rental Housing Act, which sets strict limits on the type of housing that can be covered under local rent control ordinances.

Currently, rent control cannot apply to any housing built after 1995.

According to the Sacramento Bee, "Rent in California is out of control," said Ismail Marcus Allgood, an activist who lives in South Los Angeles. "The homeless problem in L.A. is only going to get worse if we don't repeal Costa-Hawkins right now."

''He is active with the nonprofit LA Voice, part of the statewide coalition pushing for Costa-Hawkins repeal.'