In other words, all previous rent control laws would be preempted. Cities could still enact the ceilings under the principle of home rule--but only through the state legislature.
The difference would be noticeable, Jillson says.
Before, there were no guidelines to rent control, Jillson says.
But if rent control is abolished by the voters, Jillson says, "there will be strict guidelines, putting responsibility on the city or town."
For example, Jillson says, if a city decides to implement rent control, it would have to compensate homeowners for the difference between the ceiling and the market price.
And Jillson says she has conducted some "preliminary polling" which "looks good" for opponents of rent control.
Cavellini says he hasn't heard of any polls, and says the group with the most money and the best field organization would win the vote in November.
If, that is, there actually is a vote in November.