On January 13, 2026, Santa Barbara City Council adopted a Rent Freeze ordinance and amended the Just Cause ordinance following hours of public testimony and Council deliberation. Both measures were presented as interim actions while the City works toward a permanent rent stabilization program.

The Council Chambers was filled to capacity, with overflow seating and extended public comment reflecting the high level of community interest. Renters, housing providers, advocates, and residents spoke throughout the evening. Our organization actively participated in the process with multiple members raising concerns about the economic, legal, and housing-supply impacts of the proposed ordinances. In addition, we submitted a detailed written letter for the public record, outlining why rent freezes and rent control do not improve long-term affordability, the risks of retroactive regulation, and the likely unintended consequences for housing supply, maintenance, and small, local housing providers.

Supporters of the ordinances emphasized the urgency of housing affordability challenges and argued that a temporary rent freeze was necessary to provide stability while the City develops a long-term solution. Many speakers shared personal stories about rent increases and housing insecurity. Opponents raised concerns about the economic and legal impacts of the ordinances, particularly the retroactive treatment of lawful rent increases, the effects of an absolute rent freeze while costs continue to rise, and the potential for reduced housing supply and deferred maintenance.

Temporary Rent Freeze

• Rent increases are frozen for covered units during the life of the ordinance.
• December 16, 2025 is used as the reference date for rent history.
• Lawful rent increases implemented after that date are not rolled back but will be counted against future rent increases authorized under a permanent rent stabilization program, if adopted.
• The ordinance is set to expire on December 31, 2026, or earlier if a permanent program takes effect.

Just Cause Eviction Amendments

• If an owner withdraws rental units from the market (Ellis Act), all units on the property must be withdrawn together.
• Properties withdrawn under these provisions may not be re-rented for five years.
• Additional procedural requirements and timelines now apply.

These interim ordinances are now in effect and will shape the structure and impact of any future rent stabilization program. Staff is expected to continue work on long-term policies, including rent limits, enforcement mechanisms, and administrative structures such as a rent registry and rent board. Stakeholder engagement remains critical as the City navigates the next phase of this policy process. Our organization will continue to participate in this process, advocate for evidence-based housing policy, raise concerns when proposed solutions risk reducing housing supply or worsening affordability over time, and keep members informed as additional details emerge.

Visit our online Q&A for clear, straightforward answers to the most common questions about the rent freeze and what it means for you.