The Santa Barbara City Council held a public hearing on Thursday as it prepared to introduce an updated ordinance that would create a “Residential Rent Stabilization and Residential Rental Registry Program” under the municipal code. The measure, long‑awaited by tenants and local officials, would limit annual rent increases to the lesser of 3 percent or 60 percent of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). It also establishes a city‑run registry to track rental units and ensure compliance.
Key points of the proposal
Staff recommendations highlight three core components:
- Cap rent increases at 3 percent or 60 percent of the CPI, whichever is lower.
- Create a Rental Registry to record unit details, helping both landlords and tenants understand market conditions.
- Allocate $500,000 from the Measure I Flexible Housing and Homelessness Fund to cover implementation costs.
The ordinance is intended to preserve affordable housing, protect tenant rights, and give landlords a clear framework for lawful rent adjustments.
Council debate and differing viewpoints
Councilmember Meagan Harmon urged swift passage, noting that 1,518 families are on the waiting list for housing vouchers that closed in 2023. She warned that exempting voucher‑receiving units could discourage landlords from accepting those vouchers, further limiting housing options for low‑income families.
In contrast, Councilmember Wendy Santamaria expressed concern that the ordinance’s exemptions might unintentionally reduce the pool of landlords willing to take vouchers. She argued that many landlords already view voucher programs as low‑risk because the government guarantees rent payments.
Mayor Randy Rowse cautioned that the proposal could expose the city to litigation and create confusion for developers. He emphasized the need for clear guidance to avoid unintended consequences for future projects.
Political context and upcoming vote
The city is currently under a rent‑freeze that faces a legal challenge. If the freeze ends on Jan. 1, the new ordinance would take effect immediately, providing a structured alternative to the blanket freeze.
Councilmember Kristen Sneddon, a nine‑year advocate for the ordinance, urged colleagues not to gamble with residents’ lives by delaying action. “Please, I am imploring us not to gamble on people’s lives by not having this in place at all,” Sneddon said.
Mayor Rowse and council members noted that the ordinance could affect financing for new development, a point echoed by mayoral candidate Eric Friedman, who warned that higher borrowing costs might result if the ordinance is adopted. Despite his opposition, Friedman said he would participate in the debate to ensure all perspectives are heard.
Next steps
The council has six meetings left in the current term to finalize the ordinance. If approved, the rent‑stabilization caps and the rental registry would become law on Jan. 1, providing immediate guidance for landlords and tenants alike.
Local residents and advocacy groups are encouraged to submit comments before the final vote. The council will provide an update on the decision during its evening news broadcast.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
