Santa Barbara tenants at 215 Bath Street declare rent strike over harassment and repairs

During the City Council meeting on February 11, 2025, significant attention was drawn to the ongoing rent strike by tenants at 215 Bath Street, who are demanding urgent repairs and an end to harassment from their landlords. The tenants, represented by a member of the Santa Barbara Tenants Union, voiced their frustrations over a year and a half of distressing conditions under the new property owners, 215 Bath LLC.

The tenants declared their decision to stop paying rent until their demands for safe living conditions are met. They highlighted their willingness to allow landlords access for necessary repairs, which have been neglected in favor of eviction efforts. The tenants emphasized their diverse backgrounds, including hotel workers, nurses, and senior citizens, uniting in their fight for safe homes and fair treatment.

In response to the tenants' plight, the city has initiated legal action against the property managers, a move that was welcomed by the tenants. However, they urged the council to consider additional policy measures, such as capping rent increases, to protect renters from similar situations in the future.

The meeting also included a call for the dismissal of unlawful detainer complaints against the tenants and immediate action to bring the property up to code. The council's engagement with this issue reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by renters in Santa Barbara, as the community rallies for justice and safety in housing.

As the situation develops, the council's response and any potential policy changes will be closely watched by both tenants and community advocates, highlighting the ongoing struggle for housing rights in the city.