One year after adopting rent control, and just months after voting to repeal it, the Salinas City Council has sent the issue to voters.

On Sept. 23, the council voted 4-3 to place the repeal of the city’s rent control ordinance on the November 2026 ballot. Until then, the law remains in effect, forcing housing providers to comply with strict rent caps, just-cause eviction limits, rental registry mandates, and anti-harassment provisions.

From adoption to repeal

The council first approved the ordinance on Sept. 24, 2024. It took effect the following month and began being enforced Jan. 1, 2025. The rules limit annual rent increases to 2.75% or 75% of the Consumer Price Index—whichever is lower—and restrict evictions to specific “just cause” reasons. Landlords must also register their units with the city, pay a registration fee, and comply with provisions barring tenant harassment.

In May 2025, however, the council voted to rescind the law, citing concerns that rent control would discourage new housing construction and make it harder to maintain existing rental stock.

Petition drive forces council’s hand

Tenant advocates launched a referendum campaign, and by August 2025, the Monterey County Registrar of Voters confirmed that more than 10,000 valid signatures had been gathered—enough to qualify the referendum.

Under state law, that left the council with only two options: undo its repeal vote and allow the ordinance to remain, or place the repeal question before voters.

Debate at City Hall

Council members Andrew Sandoval, Aurelio Salazar, Margaret D’Arrigo, and Gloria De La Rosa chose the latter, sending the issue to the ballot. Mayor Dennis Donohue and council members Tony Barrera and Jose Luis Barajas voted instead to rescind the repeal, which would have kept the ordinance in effect without going to voters.

Donohue reiterated his opposition to rent control, saying, “I simply didn’t feel it was good policy. I didn’t feel that we should intervene in the marketplace.” He added that he wanted to respect the referendum process and the work that went into collecting signatures. The California Apartment Association is evaluating the best ways to support these efforts in the lead-up to the election.

“I believe for now, in terms of taking action, honoring your work and repealing the repeal is the best thing we can do. … We’ve clearly heard, ‘let it work, let’s see,'” Donohue said.

Council member Tony Barrera acknowledged the emotional nature of the debate.

“Of course it’s emotional. I imagine hardworking people are paying a lot of money for rent, and some landlords are having a difficult time being able to sustain their properties,” Barrera said. “I think both sides have some valid issues.”

Small landlords also voiced concerns during public comment. Mark, a local property owner, said rising costs are outpacing the law’s rent caps.

“My expenses are rising five to 7% per year or more,” said Mark. “If I can’t raise rents to keep pace with costs, I’ll be forced to sell or my business will fail.” He added that he is not a big out-of-town investor but a local owner who maintains his properties and cares deeply about tenants and neighbors.

What’s next

With the ordinance still active, landlords remain bound by its rent cap, eviction, registry, and harassment provisions until voters decide its fate in November 2026. For details on these requirements, visit the City of Salinas website. 

Local campaign efforts, led by local owners and concerned residents, are already underway to educate voters on the importance of repealing rent control.