Santa Barbara Housing Officials Survey Local Rents To Reflect True Housing Costs

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - Housing authorities for the city and county of Santa Barbara are asking renters and property owners to share what they currently pay or charge for housing.

The survey is designed to give officials a clearer picture of rental prices across Santa Barbara County.

Federal housing assistance is based in part on Fair Market Rent limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Local housing officials believe those limits may not fully reflect what many renters are paying in the area.

Responses from renters and property owners could help support a request for HUD to reevaluate those limits using local rental data.

The survey takes about 10 minutes and is open to renters, property owners and property managers throughout Santa Barbara County.

Responses are confidential and the survey remains open through November 29.