Cotati Alliance for Better Housing v. City of Cotati

Opinion

KING, J.

In this case we are asked to define the constitutional limits of economic regulation in the field of rental housing. We hold that a local rent control ordinance which requires that landlords receive a fair and reasonable return on their investment is constitutionally valid on its face as a form of economic regulation reasonably related to the furtherance of a legitimate governmental purpose. Further, we hold that provisions of the ordinance fixing the maximum rent which can be charged are reasonably calculated to eliminate excessive rents and, at the same time, provide…