Why City of Santa Barbara’s Chapter 26.50 Amendments Matter to Landlords, Tenants, and Our Community.
Last night, I spoke briefly during public comment at City Hall. I was opposed to what happened.
As a local homeowner, parent, volunteer, and real estate professional, I felt it was important to add my voice to the conversation around Chapter 26.50—a new ordinance that passed 4-2 at the Santa Barbara City Council meeting.
This ordinance places new restrictions on owners of rental properties who don’t live on-site, including:
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A one-year “cooling off” period before major remodels or demolitions can begin if the work would require tenants to move out
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Independent verification by a third-party contractor, under penalty of perjury, that the project truly requires more than 30 days of vacancy
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A requirement to offer returning tenants their unit once construction is complete, with rent capped at no more than 10% above their previous rate
I care deeply about housing stability. Like many of you, I come from a working family—my mom was a teacher, my dad a firefighter, and my daughter attended public schools here in Santa Barbara. Every day, I work with people doing their best to live and thrive in this community—teachers, nurses, electricians, artists, public servants, and small business owners. We need housing policies that both protect renters and support the people who provide housing.
The majority of local rental owners here in the central coast aren’t corporate investors. They’re individuals and families trying to care for their properties and their tenants. Many have not raised rents in decades, even as costs have significantly increased. Finding and maintaining housing in Santa Barbara is no small feat. Adding new legal and financial burdens—like holding third-party contractors legally liable—could discourage necessary improvements or lead some owners to sell altogether.
It’s also important to note what isn’t covered under Chapter 26.50. According to city staff, the ordinance does not apply to:
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Units less than 15 years old
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Owner-occupied single-family homes renting two or fewer units
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Single-family homes and condos not owned by corporations or LLCs
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Housing shared with the owner
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Duplexes where the owner lives on-site
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Hotels, dormitories, or deed-restricted low-income housing
This doesn’t have to be a battle between landlords and tenants. Most of us want the same things: a safe, stable community and housing that works for everyone. Tenants need good landlords, and landlords need good tenants.
Mayor Randy Rowse and Councilmember Mike Jordan—who represents the Mesa and Westside—both voted no. I appreciated their thoughtful comments and concerns.
To all the hard-working people in our city—nurses, painters, plumbers, teachers, students, seniors, entrepreneurs—you matter. Your homes matter. And I believe we can find better paths forward by listening, staying engaged, and working together.
If you’re a housing provider or neighbor with questions or concerns, I’m always happy to connect. Kathleen Rogers 805-284-3900. eXp Luxury | Santa Barbara Local| Realtor & Community Advocate “Going the Extra Mile to Protect Your Real Estate Needs”
Source and copy of slides: Santa Barbara City Council meeting 4/23/2025 5 p.m.
