Santa Barbara council adopts temporary rent-increase moratorium and tightens Ellis Act rules in 4-3 vote

The Santa Barbara City Council on Jan. 27 approved a temporary moratorium on rent increases and amendments to just-cause and Ellis Act eviction rules, voting 4-3 to adopt the staff-recommended ordinances as an interim measure while a permanent rent stabilization program is developed.

The measures — presented as Item 2 on the consent calendar and pulled for separate consideration — create a temporary pause on rent increases during the preparation and consideration of a permanent ordinance. Proponents said the moratorium will prevent displacement while the city builds a program; opponents warned of legal risk and administrative cost. "I urge the council to adopt the temporary rent freeze and stronger eviction protections today," said Anna, a policy advocate, during public comment.

The council heard a mix of tenant and landlord testimony before the vote. Tenant advocates and callers said a temporary freeze was needed to protect working families and maintain housing stability. "These protections are a strong, enforceable and…