Effective immediately, California’s new rent‑increase limit of 8.6% for most residential units is in force in Santa Barbara. The cap, which allows landlords to raise rent by no more than 5% plus inflation—or 10%, whichever is lower—aims to curb rapid rent growth across the state.
Statewide limit and local exemptions
Under the law, landlords of covered properties cannot increase rent beyond the 8.6% ceiling. City Councilmember Wendy Santamaria explained that the limit is meant to stop “price‑gouging” rather than freeze rents entirely, noting that no industry can reliably afford an 8.6% annual increase.
Not all rentals fall under the cap. Exemptions include certain single‑family homes, owner‑occupied duplexes, and units built after 1995. For those properties, landlords may raise rent above the 8.6% threshold depending on the circumstances.
Additional local protections
Santa Barbara also continues a temporary rent‑freeze that began earlier this year and will remain in effect until December 31. Councilmember Santamaria said the freeze provides “a little bit of breathing room” but acknowledged that many tenants still need more permanent safeguards.
The City Council is drafting a broader, permanent rent‑stabilization program to replace the temporary measure. Details of the proposed program have not yet been released, but officials indicate it will address both the magnitude of allowable increases and the eligibility of various housing types.
Tenant response and assistance
Local advocacy group CAUSE, represented by organizer Angeliza Sanchez, warns that even an 8.6% increase can strain households already paying high rents in Santa Barbara. “It’s still too high for a lot of renters, especially here in Santa Barbara,” Sanchez said.
CAUSE is helping tenants determine whether their lease is covered by state or local rules and is assisting those who received large hikes just before the new protections took effect. Some renters reported rent notices that pushed monthly costs to $3,000 for one‑ or two‑bedroom units, leaving them scrambling for financial support.
What renters should do
Tenants who receive a rent‑increase notice are urged to verify whether their unit falls under the statewide cap or the city’s temporary freeze. If the increase exceeds the legal limit, renters can challenge the raise through the appropriate housing authority.
Key News Channel 3 will continue to monitor Santa Barbara’s efforts to establish a permanent rent‑stabilization framework and report on any further developments that affect local families.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
