PORTLAND (AP) — An analysis says rent in Portland has stabilized after a dramatic rise in prices over five years.

The cooling market comes as voters consider a new referendum on the ballot next month that would limit rent increases and make it more difficult to evict tenants.

Opponents of the measure say the current pricing is a reason to oppose the referendum, while proponents say renters still need protection from future rent increases.

The average advertised rent price for a two-bedroom apartment in Portland — including utilities — rose from $1,560 in September and October 2015 to $1,605 at the same time this year.

However, rent remains well above what is considered affordable for median income residents.