SB Rent Freeze Ordinance - January 2026
Rental News
Santa Barbara City Council Advances Temporary Rent Freeze
The Santa Barbara City Council voted 4–3 to advance a temporary rent increase moratorium while the City works toward a longer-term rent stabilization ordinance.
The measure did not receive enough votes to qualify as an emergency ordinance and will instead follow the standard adoption process, with an expected effective date 30 days after approval. The moratorium applies only to certain rental units already subject to state rent control and does not apply to single-family homes, most condominiums, or newer construction. The vote followed extensive public comment reflecting differing perspectives on housing stability, ownership costs, and overall market impacts. Importantly, this action applies only within the City of Santa Barbara, and at this time there have been no indications or informal discussions suggesting that Carpinteria is considering a similar measure.
Links to two full articles are included below for those who would like additional detail.