Housing · Santa Barbara County

Tenant and eviction help in Santa Barbara

Use official resources for eviction notices, court cases, security deposits, and local landlord-tenant information.

Sources reviewed September 2026

A useful starting point

This page may help if…

  • You received an eviction notice or court papers from your landlord.
  • You need reliable information about a security-deposit dispute.
  • You want to find local mediation or legal-aid resources for a rental problem.

Plain-language path

Where to start

  1. Identify the document

    Read the title and date on any notice or court paper. Court deadlines can be short.

  2. Use the matching court guide

    California Courts explains the eviction process for tenants and provides links to forms and next steps.

  3. Contact a local resource

    Ask Legal Aid about eligibility or contact the City’s Rental Housing Mediation Program for neutral information and mediation.

Information, not legal advice.

Deadlines, eligibility, services, and court procedures can change. Confirm current details with the linked organization or court.

Optional support

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Donations go directly to the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County. This guide never handles your payment.