Meeting Info

Date: April 22, 2025

Time: 4:30pm (Meeting starts at 2:00 but we expect the item to come up around 5:00pm)

Agenda item to comment on: ITEM 16: Subject: Amending Chapter 26.50 Regarding Tenant Protection [Ordinance Introduction] (660.01)

How to join the meeting:

• Zoom: (Participation via Zoom) Registration required
• Phone:: 

Dial 1-669-900-6833

Enter Webinar ID: 894 0718 1596 (press *9 to raise/lower hand; press *6 to mute/unmute) 

• In-person:

Complete "Request to Speak" form prior to the time that comment for this item is taken up by the City Council 

Tips & Reminders:

• When joining on phone or zoom, make sure your mic is unmuted when you start speaking 
• You can give testimony/comment for up to1 or 2 minutes so plan ahead and prepare!
• Please speak slowly and clearly for any language interpreters

Email Angeliza [email protected] if you have any question!

Background

Santa Barbara’s housing crisis demands immediate action to protect tenants from unjust evictions due to loopholes in the existing Just Cause ordinance. A policy amendment, known as the cap upon return, would close this loophole and provide stable, long-term housing for renters while ensuring necessary repairs are made. 

The Just Cause Ordinance, an ordinance for tenant protections was adopted and unanimously approved by the Ordinance Committee in December of 2023. The original language presented by the Ordinance Committee was approved by the City Attorney and recommended by City Staff on January 9th, 2024; it included rent gouging protections for renters who wished to return after major repairs. 

Repairs and maintenance are the duty of the landlord. It is their job. Allowing for renovations, however, has put a price tag on deferred maintenance, motivating landlords to ignore aging buildings and seek payout from predatory investors who seek to flip neglect and displacement into

outsized gains. Deferring maintenance should never have been tied to a right to price gouge. Our city and our neighbors deserve safe, decent, affordable and available housing -- not a policy that offers arbitrage opportunities to those who capitalize on slums and short term rentals.  END Renovictions NOW.

Suggested Talking Points

Note: This is just a guide. Feel free to pick just a few of the points below to comment on, given time constraints. Please adapt and add your personal story!  (1-2 Minutes max) 

• Introduction: Good afternoon City council members, my name is   (your name)  . I am a resident of (your city)   and I’m here today on behalf of   (your district )   .

• I am urging you to (please read all three demands) 
  • Move forward to close the current loophole in the Just Cause ordinance by adding a rent cap upon return to prevent displacement after renovations.
  • Include a provision requiring an independent construction expert’s written opinion confirming renovations will take over 30 days and/or require tenant relocation—adding accountability and safety.
  • And Implement a one-year waiting period before new owners of 5+ rental units can begin major renovations.

Personal Story (recommended): Share a personal story or connection you have to the issue! Talk about your experience with rent increases after renovations.

• Example: “I live in Santa Barbara, _________ area and my rent increased ________ after renovations were completed in my unit, which caused _____________.” (financial hardship, relocation) 

• Example: “The reason why this issue is of extreme urgency is _____________”

Conclusion: Again, it is critical that city council pass the Just Cause amendments- brought forth by the memo drafted by City Councilmembers SantaMaria and Sneddon to protect renters from hiked rents after renovations (choose one): 

• Reiterate your personal story or connection to the issue!
• I Urge the amendment recommendations from the 2-person memo be passed in order to protect tenants from rent price gouging after renovations. 
• It is important that renters are given the opportunity to request needed repairs without the fear of retaliation and eviction.
• Enforcement of said ordinance and documentation of any and all violations to prevent willful rejection of the ordinance.