Just days after the City of Santa Barbara passed sweeping upcoming rental housing regulations, the City of Goleta is already moving into its own review of tenant protection measures.
While this week’s meeting (May 1, 2025) is thankfully an information-gathering session — not a formal ordinance vote — it’s clear that the policy momentum is picking up fast across our region. View the agenda
If you’re a property owner, you need to be paying attention.
Quick Summary: What Goleta Is Discussing
Here’s a plain-English breakdown of the key topics on Goleta’s radar:
Early Tenant Alert Notice:
Staff is recommending landlords give tenants an extra 60 days' pre-notice before serving a formal notice to vacate for no-fault reasons — on top of existing 60-day state rules.Tenant Anti-Harassment Provisions:
More specific language around harassment, even though similar protections already exist under California law.Relocation Assistance Expansion:
Discussion on whether to increase relocation payments beyond state minimums, aligning with neighboring jurisdictions like Santa Barbara County.Minimum Withdrawal Period:
Staff is proposing a 10-year restriction if a landlord withdraws a rental property from the market — similar to Ellis Act provisions seen in rent-controlled cities.Exemption for Small Properties:
A possible exemption for properties with four units or fewer — though no guarantees yet.Required Housing Program Information:
Landlords may be required to attach resource lists for homelessness prevention when terminating tenancies.Prohibition on Naming Children in Evictions:
A well-intentioned, but legally murky idea that conflicts with state eviction procedures.
Why It Matters
Today it's discussion. Tomorrow it could be policy.
Just like in Santa Barbara, what starts as “exploring tenant protections” often becomes permanent new regulations — adding layers of complexity, liability, and cost for local housing providers.
These proposals — layered on top of AB 1482, SB 567, AB 12, AB 2801, and the flood of state-level changes in 2023–2024 — continue a trend that feels less like protection and more like regulation fatigue for small, community-minded landlords.
What’s Next
This is still the early stage, but it’s critical that property owners and housing providers stay engaged now — not after policies are finalized.
I’ve already submitted my own written public comments to the City of Goleta, sharing my concerns and offering constructive feedback on how these proposals could be made more balanced and fair for all stakeholders. If you would like to read the full letter I submitted, I’m happy to share it — just reach out.
If you missed the Santa Barbara update, you can catch up on that here:
🔗 Santa Barbara's First Step Toward Rent Control — Full Analysis
And if you're feeling overwhelmed by the constant policy shifts — you’re not alone.
📩 Reach out to Mission City Property Management. We’re here to help you stay informed, compliant, and confident about your next move.
805-319-7000
info@missioncitypm.com
