The cost of living continues to escalate in Santa Barbara County, with much of the economic pain felt by residents due to high rent costs. In Isla Vista, the cost to meet basic housing needs is especially steep. According to the City of Santa Barbara’s 2024 Rent Survey for the South Coast, the median rent for a two-bedroom unit was $8,000 in the unincorporated community of Isla Vista - almost twice the median rent of a similar apartment in Santa Barbara proper. The residents paying this high price tag are a diverse community of UCSB students (many of whom pay thousands for a bed in these high-priced apartments), workers, and families.

The ability for landlords to charge exorbitant rents from tenants desperate for housing in proximity to UCSB for school or work has led to numerous cases of exploitation and forced evictions so that landlords could continue to raise rents.

To prevent landlords from preying on students and families in Isla Vista, this petition calls for the County Board of Supervisors to pass a rent control measure capping the legal rate at which landlords can increase the rent within a 12-month period to 2%. 

Why is it necessary to cap rent increases?

The current state law in California puts the legal rent increase per twelve-month period at 10%, or 5% plus the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. That means that a single increase at this rate can raise the price to rent an apartment by hundreds of dollars each month. For students and families living in Isla Vista, this is an unsustainable trend in the cost of living. When state laws aren’t sufficient to meet the needs of a community, local legislators can and should enact legislation to better address localized problems.

What makes rent control effective?

Rent control is a broad term used to describe legislation that protects tenant rights, enforces good and decent living standards, and - in the case of rent caps - restricts the power of landlords to increase rent prices beyond what is reasonable. Rent control also provides tenants with legal grounds to defend themselves from unlawful eviction and other abuses. In these ways, rent control acts as a deterrent for landlords who might otherwise exploit tenants within our communities.

Why should you sign the petition?

If you rent in Isla Vista, this already impacts you and many of those you know. Students and families in our community shouldn’t have to worry about being priced out of their neighborhoods. After all, the home you rent is still your home! The rent has been too damn high for too long and it’s time for the community of Isla Vista to demand a change! Sign the petition and demand rent control now!