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Santa Barbara council approves temporary moratorium on rent increases, 4-3, as city develops stabilization ordinance
Summary
After hours of public comment and a divided council debate, the Santa Barbara City Council voted 4-3 to impose a temporary moratorium on rent increases and directed staff to continue work on a rent‑stabilization program; staff will issue FAQs and coordinate enforcement and mediation resources.
SANTA BARBARA — On Jan. 27, 2026, the Santa Barbara City Council approved a temporary moratorium on rent increases as staff prepares a permanent rent‑stabilization program, voting 4‑3 after several hours of public comment and council debate.
The ordinance motion, described by staff as a temporary pause on rent increases while the city crafts a stabilization policy, passed with three council members—Ross, Freeman and Jordan—recorded as voting no. The council did not record detailed roll-call votes for each yes vote in the spoken record; the motion was announced as passing "4 votes to 3." The council also directed staff to compile frequently asked questions and to coordinate with the City Attorney and the housing mediation program to respond to resident inquiries.
The decision followed multiple public speakers urging different approaches. Betty Hepsen, president…
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