What exactly is Prop 10?

By the South LA Desk & the Interactives Desk

Housing in South L.A. has been a major ongoing issue.

Nearby tenants have been evicted, complexes are planned for demolition to make way for mixed-use development, and advocacy across the state has been ramping up for and against Proposition 10 -- a measure that could make it easier for California cities to enact rent control policies.

The Intersections South LA team on October 17 conducted a pop-up newsroom by setting up a table with recording equipment on Vermont and Slauson avenues to document what residents had to say about housing and Proposition 10.

Proposition 10 would repeal the current restrictions on rent control policies set in the 1995 Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act. If passed, Prop 10 would allow cities to regulate rents for any type of housing and limit the amount a landlord could increase rent when a new renter moves in.

Many of the people who participated and agreed to be interviewed were either struggling with the costs of housing or knew someone who was affected by the costs. Several didn’t know the details about Proposition 10, but agreed there should be a stop to the rising costs of rent.

Tatiana Jones, 31, a single mother, recently moved back with her mother to South L.A. to help her pay rent. If she wasn’t living with her mother, she’d have to work three jobs just to cover basic living costs.

“People are struggling. People are trying get by paycheck by paycheck,” Jones said.

Many people were confused about Proposition 10.

Several people we talked to receive Section 8 housing assistance and were against Proposition 10, even though the measure may have benefitted them.

At the same time, people who said they knew about the proposition, said they needed to vote “no” so that rent wouldn’t go up. Others were against it, but they wanted the government to put a cap on rent.

A “yes” vote means the city would have less limits on rent control policies. Supporters of Proposition 10 believe it will put fair, annual limits on the amount a landlord can raise rents. This would keep low-income tenants in their homes, preventing more homelessness and gentrification.

A “no” vote means the city would be limited in the rent control policies. Those against Prop 10 believe it will make the housing crisis worse by putting more bureaucrats in control of rent and could potentially cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.

Residents will be voting on this proposition Nov. 6.

Scroll down to hear the voices of those affected by Proposition 10 in South LA.