Fwd: Know Your Rights: Free Rental Inspections Now Available in IV
Undergrad Advising Global Studies
Date: Tue, Dec 2, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Subject: Re: Know Your Rights: Free Rental Inspections Now Available in IV
To: Kashia Arnold <kar...@blumcenter.ucsb.edu>
Hi Gauchos,
If you rent in Isla Vista, there's a new program you should know about: Santa Barbara County's Rental Inspection Pilot Program is now active, and it's designed to protect you.
What's happening: County inspectors are checking IV rental units for basic health and safety issues—things like working smoke detectors, safe balconies, and functioning plumbing. This process started over the summer and is currently ongoing.
What you need to know:
- It's free. The County covers all costs. You and your landlord pay nothing.
- It's working. Landlords have been given advanced notice about key safety concerns are currently addressing them in a timely manner.
- You're in control. Inspections are scheduled 15 days in advance, and you have the right to allow or decline the inspection.
- It's not about you. Inspectors are only looking at health and safety conditions—not your belongings, cleanliness, or how you've decorated.
- Your landlord is subject to renter protection laws and policies. There are laws protecting you against potential retaliation.
Common concerns addressed:
- Will my rent go up? Rents will not be raised because of the costs of the inspection.
- What if my unit is deemed unsafe? So far, no unit has been deemed unsafe. If that rare situation occurs, UCSB and the County have backup housing plans in place.
Having problems with your housing? You can confidentially report issues here anytime (even at the end of your rental contract) to the County's Planning and Development Dept.: www.surveymonkey.com/r/2R7T5L2
This program exists to protect tenants, not punish them. Please feel free to forward this email to anyone who would benefit from this information.
Regards,
The Blum Center
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