Santa Barbara is once again at a crossroads on rent stabilization. Emotions are high. Testimony has been passionate. And the stakes for renters, housing providers, and the broader community are significant.
That is precisely why the city should place the proposed rent-stabilization ordinance on the ballot and allow voters to decide.
Santa Barbara is not starting from scratch. The city is currently operating under a temporary rent freeze while policymakers refine a long-term approach. In addition, tenants are protected by existing local and state laws. At the state level, AB 1482 caps annual rent increases for many units and requires just cause for certain evictions. The Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act sets guardrails for how local rent control systems may operate.