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Rent Stabilization
Body
Review frequently asked questions about the recent Tenant Protection Ordinances and the Rental Housing Mediation Program.
Ordinance on the Moratorium on Rent Increases_January 13, 2026
Ordinance on Just Cause Evictions_January 13, 2026
Ordenanza sobre la moratoria de aumentos de alquiler_13 de enero de 2026
Ordenanza sobre desalojos por causa justa_13 de enero de 2026
Previous Meetings:
On April 7, the City Council received a status update on the Rent Stabilization Program Work Plan, including the results of the community focus groups held in February and March 2026. The Council provided final direction to staff on the key policy components needed to begin drafting a Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
On April 7, the City Council received a status update on the Rent Stabilization Program Work Plan, including the results of the community focus groups held in February and March 2026. The Council provided final direction to staff on the key policy components needed to begin drafting a Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
On January 27, the Council read and adopted the tenant protection ordinance along with amendments to the Just Cause Evictions Ordinance. The ordinances will take effect 30 days after adoption and remain in effect through December 31, 2026, while City officials continue developing a permanent rent stabilization ordinance, expected to be considered later this year
On January 13, the City Council considered tenant protection ordinances, including a temporary rent increase moratorium and amendments to the Just Cause Ordinance to implement additional protections authorized by the “Ellis Act.” The moratorium pauses rent increases for units built before 1995, except single-family dwellings, condominiums, and certain other rentals as required by state law.
On December 16, 2025, the Santa Barbara City Council received a comprehensive presentation and staff report outlining the proposed policy direction and work plan for developing a Rent Stabilization Ordinance and Program. The Council provided preliminary feedback to guide further research and emphasized the need to balance program effectiveness with administrative feasibility. As part of the discussion, Council voted to return in January 2026 to consider a temporary Rent Increase Moratorium Ordinance and potential amendments to the Residential Just Cause Ordinance addressing Ellis Act no-fault evictions.
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