Rent Stabilization [DRAFT]
2.1% is the maximum annual general adjustment for eligible rent stabilized units effective January 1, 2027 - December 31, 2027.
Landlords are required to give at least 30 days’ notice of a rent increase.
On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Council adopted the Residential Rent Stabilization and Residential Rental Registry Programs Ordinance (Item 5) by a 4-3 vote, establishing rules for annual rent adjustments and outlining petition processes for tenants and landlords. The ordinance establishes a Rent Stabilization Board that will provide guidance on the new program and hear appeals on petitions. Moreover, the program establishes a rental registry that will include all rental properties in the City and support program administration and enforcement for rent-stabilized units.
City Council Meeting History >
Rent Increase Limits
- Maximum rent increase: For eligible units, landlords can only raise rent by a certain amount each year. The increase cannot be more than 3% of current rent or 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) change, whichever is less.
Renter Protections
- Just cause evictions: Landlords must have a valid reason to evict tenants. This could be for not paying rent, breaking the lease, or if the landlord wants to move into the property themselves.
- Relocation assistance: If landlords evict tenants for certain reasons, they might have to help pay for tenant moving costs.
Petitions
The City of Santa Barbara is developing a petition process for its rent stabilization program. Once available, tenants and landlords will be able to file a petition asking the City to review a rent adjustment or a possible violation of the rent stabilization rules. The petition process is not yet available. Check back for updates, or sign up for email notifications to be notified when it opens.