San Francisco Board backs state "Justice for Renters" measure to repeal Costa Hawkins

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 8–2 on July 9 to adopt a resolution backing the Justice for Renters Act, a state ballot measure that would repeal the Costa Hawkins Rental Housing Act and restore local governments’ authority to shape rent-control rules.

The resolution, brought by Supervisor Preston and recommended unanimously out of Rules Committee, puts the city on record supporting repeal of the state preemption that currently limits local rent regulation. “Tenant groups across the state … support the Justice for Renters Act,” Supervisor Preston said during debate, framing the measure as a way to preserve and expand rent-control options for cities.

The measure drew sharp disagreement among supervisors. Supervisor Dorsey said he would oppose the resolution and urged a no vote on the ballot, saying the text of the statewide measure is “misleading” and potentially overbroad. “I’m gonna be voting against this resolution today for the same reason I expressed opposition previously,” Dorsey said. He and other opponents voiced concern about a single sentence in the draft ballot language that, in their reading, could remove certain state tools used to encourage housing production.

President Peskin clarified during debate that the measure’s core effect is to repeal state preemption and allow each local jurisdiction to decide whether to expand rent control, including vacancy control. Supporters said repeal would let cities adopt vacancy control and other tenant protections if they choose.

After discussion, the roll call vote was recorded as eight ayes and two nos. The transcript records the no votes as Supervisor Dorsey and Supervisor Engadio; supervisors recorded as voting yes included Supervisor Melgar, President Peskin, Supervisor Preston, Supervisor Ronan, Supervisor Safaie, Supervisor Walton, Supervisor Chan and Supervisor Mandelmann.

Discussion points included whether the measure’s language could be used by anti‑development local governments to frustrate regional housing production and whether repeal would simply restore local decision‑making. Supporters said repeal would allow localities to enact stronger tenant protections; opponents said the single broad sentence in the measure could have unintended regulatory effects.

The resolution does not itself change any local law; it registers the city’s support for the statewide ballot measure that will be decided by California voters on Nov. 5, 2024.