From Our Inbox: Letters to the Editor for the Week Ending Nov. 13, 2026

Regarding the Nov. 7 article, “Santa Barbara Council May Extend Rent Freeze with Pending Referendum Petition,” the Santa Barbara program is weighted toward tenants, with little consideration given to the impact on small, responsible, owner-occupied housing providers. I am a local landlord with one rental unit in my owner-occupied duplex. I work tirelessly to maintain and continually improve my rental unit, offer it below market rent despite the ever-increasing costs of ownership and maintenance, and strive to establish positive, long-term relationships with my tenants. This is my home, not an investment property. The city removed owner-occupied duplexes from its local exemption list, despite the fact that these properties remain exempt under California’s statewide just-cause protections. The program raises concerns about government overreach, private property rights, financial burdens and the ability of housing providers to make decisions about their own homes.

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