The local advocacy group CAUSE unveiled a report Tuesday on the impact of the housing crisis on renters and called for local governments to take action.
For the report, titled "Housing Crisis 805," CAUSE says it surveyed 590 renters in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Ventura, and Santa Paula.
The research found that overall, renters make up 51% of the population in Santa Barbara County and 38% in Ventura County.
The group looked at the struggles facing renters, including rising costs, low wages, the threat of evictions, and poor upkeep on the behalf of landlords.
CAUSE reports that of those surveyed, 43% had experienced a drastic rent increase, 15% had been evicted, and 39% had experienced unsafe or unhealthy living conditions in the past five years.
The report recommends local leaders implement policies to stabilize rents, protect against eviction, and invest in affordable housing in areas that do not displace current residents.
To read the full CAUSE report, click here.
