Help Santa Barbara County Update Fair Market Rents: Take the Community Survey Today

The County Housing Authority and the City of Santa Barbara Housing Authority encourage residents to participate in a countywide rental market survey, conducted in partnership with the UCSB Economics Department, to help capture accurate data on local rental costs.

Santa Barbara County renters, rental property owners, and property managers are invited to complete the short survey, which will provide local agencies with essential information to present to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Current HUD Fair Market Rent limits fall below many area rents, creating challenges for households relying on rental assistance. Survey responses will help request an updated evaluation to ensure these limits better reflect actual housing costs in the region.

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes and can be completed here: Housing Authority Rental Market Survey

Responses should be submitted by November 29, 2026. All participants will be entered into a drawing for one of five $100 Visa gift cards. Privacy is protected, and responses are confidential and used solely for research; participants may withdraw a completed survey by contacting [email protected]. Your participation directly supports efforts to align rental assistance programs with the true cost of housing in Santa Barbara County.