Measure E: Measure E – City of Redwood City: Rent Control and Eviction Limits Initiative
City of Redwood City · San Mateo County · November 3, 2026
The question on your ballot
Shall the measure repealing Redwood City Municipal Code Chapter 42 and replacing it with a new Chapter 42 that (1) limits rent increases on multifamily housing built before February 1, 1995; (2) expands just-cause eviction protections to most rental housing, including single-family homes, ADUs, and affordable housing; (3) requires new City administration estimated to cost $5 million to $11 million annually, funded by annual rental property owner fees; and (4) increases relocation assistance for no-fault evictions, be adopted?
In plain language
Measure E would repeal the rules in Chapter 42 of the Redwood City code and replace them with a new Chapter 42. It would limit how much rent can go up in buildings with many homes that were built before February 1, 1995. It would also widen just-cause eviction protections to cover most rental housing. That would include single-family homes, backyard units (ADUs), and affordable housing. Renters who must move out in a no-fault eviction would get more help with the cost of moving. The new rules would need new city staff work to run them. Owners of rental property would pay yearly fees to cover that cost. A YES vote adopts the new rules. A NO vote means the new rules are not adopted.
Fiscal impact
Running the new rules would cost the city an estimated $5 million to $11 million a year. Owners of rental property would pay for this with yearly fees.
Official ballot arguments
Filed for the official voter guide by each side, printed as submitted.
The official arguments will appear here once both sides’ arguments are on file.
What supporters and opponents say — outside sources (not official ballot arguments)
Statements by campaigns, officials and news coverage, quoted with attribution and linked to the original. VoterDecoder did not write them and does not endorse either side.
Supporters say
No public statements in favor were found.
Opponents say
“expand local rent control beyond existing limits and add new regulatory and financial burdens for housing providers.”
— California Apartment Association, California Apartment Association (2026) · CAA pushes back as tenant groups pursue Redwood City rent control measure for 2026 ballotRead the source →“repeals strong tenant protection measures”
— Elmer Martinez Saballos, Redwood City mayor (signer of the primary argument in opposition), Redwood City Pulse (2026) · Redwood City council formally opposes rent control measureRead the source →