Rent Stabilization Referendum Gains Momentum

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - An effort to put the controversial rent stabilization issue in front of the voters in Santa Barbara is gaining momentum.

Volunteers and paid workers have been busy over the last month with signature sheets that could ask the city council to reconsider its recent decision to have a rent stabilization policy.

Supporters say it will control excessive rent increases.

Opponents say it is a harmful policy for landlords, especially the smallest ones in the city.

About 5500 signatures were required to qualify the referendum.

The group behind the effort is called "Help Save Santa Barbara Housing Committee."

This week it submitted more than 9100 signatures to the Santa Barbara city clerk.

Those will have to be verified as registered voters for the process to continue.

This could lead up to a decision by the council to repeal its decision or call for a special election in the first part of next year.