The Santa Barbara Council on October 14, 2025, voted 4-3 to add a discussion on the proposed rent stabilization ordinance to a future agenda.
Council members Wendy Santamaria and Kristen Sneddon said their goal was to bring clarity to the rent stabilization ordinance discussion and end the uncertainty for both tenants and property owners.
The Council directed the city staff to create a detailed process plan and timeline. They will present it for review and policy guidance by the end of the year.
The future agenda will outline key policy questions that will shape the final ordinance. These include what the rent cap should be and how to ensure landlords get a fair return.
Staff Alternative and Timeline
City staff reminded the Council that in December 2024, they were directed to explore a rent stabilization program.
City Administrator Kelly McAdoo suggested preparing a work plan and timeline that includes reviewing the proposed ordinance and reaching out to stakeholders.
Public and Council Concerns
The meeting drew strong public comment with arguments both for and against the proposal. Supporters called for swift action, saying rising rents are displacing working-class residents, essential workers, and families. However, opponents warned the ordinance could discourage investment, force property sales, or limit maintenance if the rent cap is set below inflation.
Councilmember Meagan Harmon and others said introducing a full ordinance without public input was “overly provocative.” They felt it could harm trust and might prompt landlords to raise rents right away.
Councilmember Eric Friedman and the Mayor expressed concern that moving too quickly would take staff and legal resources away from other important tasks, like finalizing the vacation rental ordinance for the Coastal Commission.
Specific Elements in the Debate
- Rent Cap based on CPI: The plan proposes tying increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). One councilmember requested a legal review to determine whether capping increases at “60% of CPI” or “1.6%” would be legally defensible.”
- Creation of a Board: The proposed board would enforce the program, but concerns were raised that its composition may not represent landlords fairly.
- Applicability and Exemptions: The ordinance would apply only to units 30 years or older.
- Terminology: Councilmember Santamaria clarified that “rent stabilization” differs from “rent control,” as it does not fix prices but aims to moderate increases.
- Focus on Displacement: Supporters said the ordinance could prevent sudden rent hikes and protect the local workforce.
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As a landlord, I always price my property below market value to attract the most applications from quality tenants who will take good care of the home. The mindset and business practice of private landlords renting one or two properties is different than corporate landlords who only want to squeeze the most profit from rental units. Current laws already require an attorney to navigate, and additional legislation will push a lot of mom and pop landlords to sell. This could end up being good news to prospective home buyers, and bad news to renters who will see their options for single family homes diminish.
Stop the sick and greedy landlords. It is about time.
As soon as this poor idea is approved, and it just may pass eventually, a whole bunch of landlords will likely start raising their rents to stay ahead of the curve. It’ll be a big backfire for a lot of renters. I think the concept of telling landlords how much they can or cannot charge for properties they own is fundamentally wrong.
“Sick and greedy”? … lovely comment.
The words policeman was triggered apparently. Many can’t wait for some of the money grubbing boomer landlords to pass on as well.
Agree with B805, rent control has been proven to have the opposite effect. While it can stabilize housing costs for current tenants, most economists agree that it creates market distortions that ultimately reduce the supply and quality of rental housing. Let’s the market forces control rent!
The wisdom of the market is a complete fallacy.
You have no idea what you’re talking about, Maybe you would prefer to live in Russia under total gov’t control.
You mean where they control media and comedians?
You’ve revealed your age group.
Really GT? Looking forward to the Booner landlords dying? I knew you were totally radical but this comment takes it to a new level. Truly disgusting.
Tell us your age group without telling us your age group.