In Santa Barbara County the statewide rent cap is 8.6% for increases starting Aug. 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027. The Attorney General’s chart lists no city or county rent-increase cap in Santa Barbara County. We show No active rent-cap order in our data as of Nov 13, 2026. Always check your city’s rules too: check your local rent rules and ordinance before you raise rent or serve a notice.
| Statewide cap (AB 1482) | 8.6% for increases starting 8/1/26–7/31/27 (All other counties; see the AG chart) |
|---|---|
| Local rent caps listed by the AG | None listed |
| Emergency rent-cap orders | No active rent-cap order in our data as of Nov 13, 2026 (see below) |
| Superior Court | Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara |
Local rent control and just-cause rules
The Attorney General’s local chart has no entry for any city or the county government in Santa Barbara County. That does not mean there are no local tenant rules: cities can have just-cause, relocation, registry or other protections that the chart does not list.
Emergency orders affecting Santa Barbara County
Orders below come from the emergency order tracker, last verified Nov 13, 2026.
Statewide El Niño proclamation — Penal Code 396 suspended
- Type
- State proclamation (Penal Code § 396 suspended)
- Where
- Statewide
- Proclaimed
- Sep 21, 2026
- Rent cap period
- None imposed by this proclamation
- Authority
- Proclamation of Sept. 21, 2026, ¶ 18: Penal Code 396 restrictions "are suspended, and no such restrictions are imposed, with respect to this El Niño event, at this time."
What it means: Listed for information. This proclamation alone does not impose the 10% emergency rent cap.
How the end date was determined: Open-ended; the Governor could later lift the suspension ("at this time").
- The suspension applies only to the statewide El Niño proclamation, and only "at this time." Local emergency declarations can trigger their own price-gouging rules.
Last verified Nov 13, 2026.
Courts and self-help
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara
Local court rules, filing information and forms.
California Courts Self-Help: landlord eviction information
Statewide guides and forms for landlords and tenants.
Housing agencies
Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara
County housing authority (Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing).
Assessor, recorder and county clerk
Santa Barbara County Assessor (county Clerk-Recorder-Assessor-Elections office)
Assessor’s office (BOE county directory phone listed)
(805) 568-2550
Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder
Recorded documents, deeds and county clerk services
Assessor phone numbers come from the State Board of Equalization county directory.
Code enforcement
Utilities and services
See the utility directory for the main electric, gas and internet providers serving Santa Barbara County and links for statewide providers. Water, sewer and trash vary by city; check your city’s website or your bill.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum rent increase in Santa Barbara County?
The statewide cap is 5% plus the change in the cost of living, up to 10%. For increases starting between Aug. 1, 2026 and July 31, 2027, the Attorney General lists 8.6% for the All other counties. This applies to most rental housing more than 15 years old. Check your city for stricter local rules. Use the rent increase wizard for your date and exemptions.
Does Santa Barbara County have rent control?
The Attorney General’s chart lists no rent-increase caps by any city or the county government in this county, but cities can have other tenant protections. Check your city.
Is there an emergency rent cap in Santa Barbara County right now?
Not in our data as of Nov 13, 2026. Orders change quickly: check the Cal OES price gouging page and the county emergency services site.
Where do I find court forms for an eviction in Santa Barbara County?
Start with the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara website and the Judicial Council’s landlord self-help pages. Only a court can order an eviction.
Sources
- California Attorney General: Limits on Rent Increases
- Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara
- California State Board of Equalization: county assessors, auditors and clerk-recorders
- Cal OES: price gouging protections in place
- California Courts Self-Help: landlord eviction information
Local ordinances change often and this page may be out of date. Check the linked official sources, your city and, for decisions that matter, a qualified California attorney. Read the disclaimer.