California Representative Monique Limon has introduced a bill that we believe is unconstitutional, goes against the Coastal Act of 1976, and will be ripe for litigation if passed. Any short-term rental operator along the coast should be ready to act should this bill pass.
California has long been at the forefront of progressive legislation, aiming to protect the rights of its residents and preserve its natural beauty. However, not all bills introduced align with these intentions. In the case of Bill SB 584, introduced by Limon, concerns arise regarding its potential violation of the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution and its contradictory nature to the California Coastal Act of 1976.
Brief excerpt from Bill SB 584:
“This bill would, beginning January 1, 2025, impose a tax on the occupancy of a short-term rental in this state at the rate of 15% of the rental price of the short-term rental. The bill would define “short-term rental” for this purpose to mean the occupancy of a home, house, a room in a home or house, or other lodging that is not a hotel, inn, motel, or bed and breakfast, in this state for a period of 30 days or less. The bill would require a short-term rental facilitator, as defined, to collect the tax in the case where the facilitator processes the payment for the rental. The bill would require the operator, as defined, to collect the tax where no facilitator processes payment for the rental. The bill would require all revenues, less refunds and reimbursement to the CDTFA of administration and collection costs, be deposited in the Laborforce Housing Fund.”
The 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution is a cornerstone of civil rights, ensuring that no state shall “deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” SB 584, however, raises questions about its compatibility with this fundamental principle. The bill disenfranchises a certain category of taxpayer from those that are similarly situated and further limits coastal access by impacting certain groups, potentially infringing upon their right to equal protection under the law. The group most impacted are those seeking affordable accommodations along our California coastline.
One of the primary concerns regarding Bill SB 584 is the potential for discriminatory outcomes. By limiting coastal access in certain areas through higher taxation than hotels, the bill could disproportionately affect lower-income vacation seekers and communities of color, denying them the same opportunities to enjoy California’s magnificent coastline. This creates an unjust disparity in access to public resources, running counter to the principles enshrined in the 14th Amendment and the Coastal Act of 1976.
Most recently, a similar Bill was presented in Hawaii (and tabled), HB 820.
One speaker said it perfectly:
“This bill violates the United States Constitution as well as the Hawaii State Constitution. It disenfranchises a certain category of taxpayer from those that are similarly situated. It is discriminatory in that it does not treat all providers of transient accommodations the same,” Chang wrote to lawmakers.
It is crucial to consider the historical context of coastal access. Many communities have fought for years to secure their rights to enjoy the coast, and SB 584 threatens to undermine those hard-fought victories. Equal access to natural resources should be upheld, ensuring that no person or community is left behind due to economic disparities.
The California Coastal Act of 1976 is a comprehensive law designed to protect and preserve the state’s coastal resources for current and future generations. It establishes a framework for balanced land use and public access to coastal areas. Bill SB 584, however, contradicts this established framework by imposing a different taxation rate impacting public access and favoring the more expensive hotel stay in Santa Barbara.
The act’s fundamental objective is to maximize public access to the coast. SB 584 runs counter to this goal by an added tax of an additional 15% to this class of vacationer, further limiting access to California’s beaches, bluffs, and coastal areas. This limitation not only diminishes the spirit of the California Coastal Act but also undermines the values upon which it was founded.
Bill SB 584 California, introduced by Limon, raises significant concerns regarding its potential violation of the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause and its inconsistency with the California Coastal Act of 1976. Its discriminatory nature could result in unequal access to California’s coast, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and hindering the principles of low-cost visitor-serving accommodations and public enjoyment of coastal resources.
At a time when so many Americans are feeling the squeeze of inflation, interest rates are the highest in decades, and many are being laid off, why on Earth would someone introduce a bill that infringes on a person’s ability to find respite by unfair taxation on accommodations that make travel possible for many of these individuals. It is essential for lawmakers and citizens alike to scrutinize bills like SB 584 to ensure that they align with the principles of equality and justice. Protecting the rights of ALL individuals to access and enjoy the natural beauty of California’s coastline should remain paramount, preserving a treasured resource for generations to come.
On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, the City Council of Santa Barbara voted unanimously to start a pilot program that will go after the over 1000 illegal vacation rentals in the City of Santa Barbara. They will be pursuing criminal charges!
However, what they did not plan for…a company (Haller Coastal Homes) to help people get legal, if in the legal zones of Santa Barbara with the guidance of the California Coastal Commission decisions and an understanding of what the current code includes/ does not include. It’s really quite simple… until the City of Santa Barbara develops an ordinance, specifically in the coastal zone of Santa Barbara and perhaps one for the inland areas zoned for this use, they cannot prevent you from becoming legal by obtaining the business license.
Here at Haller Coastal Homes we are and always have been the property management company in Santa Barbara that is the “rule follower” and thrilled to contribute to the city’s general fund with TOT taxes and NOT take away affordable housing. We are here to help preserve our community, work within the law and at the same time help keep local businesses alive with what they rely on every year, tourism. As well, the local government cannot restrict people from having second homes that sit vacant half the year. Why not provide jobs, help local businesses that depend on tourism and contribute to our City of Santa Barbara at the same time?
How to Ensure Your Property is Legal and Avoid Criminal Enforcement
Santa Barbara, California, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, Spanish-style architecture, and Mediterranean climate. As such, vacation rentals in the area have become increasingly popular, offering visitors a comfortable and convenient place to stay while enjoying all that the city has to offer.
However, in recent years, the issue of illegal vacation rentals in Santa Barbara has become a major concern for the local authorities. In fact, with this recent announcement from the City of Santa Barbara to crack down on these illegal rentals, criminal enforcement we are told is imminent. As a property owner, it is essential to ensure that your vacation rental is legal to avoid legal trouble and hefty fines.
We want to help!
Understand the Law – We are not attorneys, full disclosure.
There currently exists NO permit requirement for a vacation rental in the City of Santa Barbara. The city may tell you one exists but this but it is not true. They believe this is a “hotel use” however, the California Coastal Commission has already ruled this is not a hotel use. What you do need is a business license from the city and right now, they are only issuing these in the coastal zone. We can help you with this!
Comply with Safety and Health Standards
In addition to obtaining the business license, we encourage our owners to go above and beyond (although not required) to comply with safety and health standards to ensure that your vacation rental is safe and comfortable for guests. This includes providing adequate fire safety equipment, ensuring that electrical and plumbing systems are up to code, and providing clean and well-maintained furnishings and appliances. Having a local Santa Barbara based property management company like Haller Coastal Homes, available 24/7 is also VERY important.
Establish a Good Neighbor Policy
Although this should apply to all rentals, even those with 10 college students, vacation rental owners should always have detailed signed rental agreements, verify the ID of the guest, have a guest list of who will be staying in the home and have a great relationship with the neighbors to ensure no one is disturbed with any renters. All of our guests have strict guidelines that help preserve the neighborhood…if only all landlords had these in place!
Keep Detailed Records
Finally, it is essential to keep detailed records of all aspects of your vacation rental, including bookings, expenses, and income. This will help you stay organized and compliant with local tax laws, and make it easier to demonstrate that your rental is legal if you are ever questioned by local officials.
Vacation rentals in Santa Barbara can help second homeowners pay property taxes that are some of the highest in the nation, generate income for the City of Santa Barbara and support our local Santa Barbara businesses. Being able to ensure that your property is legal to avoid legal trouble and hefty fines, we encourage you to contact us today.
By familiarizing yourself with the latest regulations, obtaining the business license, complying with safety and health standards, establishing a Good Neighbor Policy and keeping detailed records, you can ensure that your vacation rental is legal and profitable for years to come.
Partner with us…we don’t charge onboarding fees either.
Well, for starters, they do not have nor put in the time or effort into your home and its advertising and technology the way a smaller company does.
Don’t settle for being just a “number” at a larger company (50+ homes). With us, your home is part of our family!
For the first time in years, we are taking on a few new properties!
Being panel speakers at numerous conferences across the country, we know what’s NEW, what WORKS and how to stay AHEAD of the competition. Never has there been a more critical time to be with the RIGHT property management company that handles vacation rentals in Santa Barbara.
Do your research too!
If they manage more than 50 properties, the care that goes into managing your rental rates and occupancy rates is quite possibly not being watched closely enough to help you increase revenue.
As well, we are the “boots on the ground” at your home sometimes daily and are NOT also Realtors with full time jobs with property management as a side gig.
Our team handles rentals 100% and as owners ourselves of rental property in another state, we know that sometimes hiring others just doesn’t replace the owner of the company handling the day to day…we do it all with support from our team of 9.
Ask your current company or any prospective one…
Do you use LOS Pricing and Dynamic Pricing for my property?
Do you charge Guests additional “Host Fees” (that owners don’t see) that essentially cause my rental revenue to be lowered?
Sample of a booking from a larger company in town:
Also ask…
Do you use software that integrates with all the big listing sites including Homes and Villas by Marriott?
Are you both Premier Partners on VRBO and Superhosts on Airbnb? (this matters A LOT!)
What are your percentage of direct bookings per month?
What is your company-wide occupancy rate?
Do you have a dedicated Revenue Management Team studying rates daily based on Dynamic Pricing and market trends?
Do guests have an app and is your management team available 24/7 in case of any issues?
Do you use state of the art locks that sync with reservations to protect our home?
Do you screen our guests ID and vet these guests during the booking process?
Do you charge owners extra when guests call or have small maintenance items?
What is your percentage of repeat guests?
These are VALUABLE questions to ask any prospective vacation rental management company in Santa Barbara. With our economy changing daily, it’s imperative property owners work with a local vacation rental property management company on the cutting edge when it comes to technology, tools and support staff to ensure guests have the best experiences in your property while you realize the highest revenue and occupancy rate possible.
Since 2010, our occupancy rates company-wide are 80% and owners achieve rental revenue increases consistently year over year anywhere from 10-25%.
As we add a few special properties to our family, we would also love to answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, read about us!
Our Story
Why Choose Us?
Happy renting!
Kurt, Tiffany
Katie, Lisa, Brady, Sarah, Melia, Toni, Ashley, Maureen
Revenue Management, Social Media and Accounting Teams
Recent News in the Vacation Rental Industry:
Key Data Article
Vacasa Owners Leaving in Droves
AirBnB Cuts Staff
The Best Foodie Spots in Santa Barbara
Let’s face it, Santa Barbara is an incredible place to visit. From the stunning beaches and warm weather to the diverse cultural offerings and amazing food scene – there’s something for everyone. But if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, the best way to get a taste of what makes this city so special is by exploring its restaurants. From Mexican to Asian flair, beach vibes to Italian cuisine, here are some of the best places to eat in Santa Barbara!
Some of our favorites:
Carlitos – This casual restaurant is known for its delicious Mexican food and margaritas. Whether you’re craving tacos with all the fixin’s or want something more traditional like enchiladas or tamales, Carlitos has it all. Plus, the atmosphere is vibrant and fun – perfect for a night out with friends!
Oku – If you’re looking for something different, head over to Oku for an Asian-inspired meal. With modern takes on classic dishes, Oku is sure to please even the pickiest eater in your group. A must…the cauliflower, Crazy Rich Asian roll, Crouching tiger roll and yummy cold and hot saki! Plus, their cocktails are also worth noting!
The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach – The Boathouse offers classic American fare with a beachy vibe. The restaurant overlooks beautiful Hendry’s Beach and has outdoor seating so you can enjoy your meal while taking in the stunning views of Santa Barbara’s coastline. Must-tries include their fish & chips and clam chowder!
Toma – For classic Italian cuisine made with fresh ingredients from local farms, look no further than Toma. This upscale restaurant serves up delicious pizzas and handmade pastas as well as seasonal specials that will make your mouth water. Make sure you save room for dessert, too. Their tiramisu is one of the best around!
Joe’s Café – Located on State Street downtown, Joe’s Café is the place to go when you need stiff drinks and good burgers (or both!). Joe’s has been around since 1948 and still serves up classic diner food that never disappoints. And don’t forget about their famous milkshakes – they’re definitely worth trying!
Last but certainly not least, Brophy Bros., located near Stearns Wharf Pier on State Street. With unbeatable views of Santa Barbara’s harbor, Brophy Bros.’s menu focuses on seafood dishes like fresh oysters and clams as well as some of the best clam chowder around!
If you’re looking for some of the best places to eat in Santa Barbara, this list has got you covered! From Mexican favorites to Asian flair – there are plenty of restaurants catering to every palate.
Come hungry…you won’t be disappointed with any of these great spots! Need a cozy home to stay in while visiting Santa Barbara? We would love to host your upcoming stay in Santa Barbara at one of our vacation rental properties
The Best Kept Secret in Santa Barbara for the Holidays
The Pearl Social Club Santa Barbara has done it again this year with its pop-up Christmas bar, Miracle. It’s a great place to visit while you stay with Haller Vacation Homes!
Looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Look no further than Pearl Social Club. This hidden gem is nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone and offers visitors a chance to relax and unwind. From its cozy fireside lounge to its chic speakeasy, Pearl Social Club has something for everyone. So why keep this place a secret during the holiday season?
It’s a local favorite to enjoy Christmas and holiday cheer with amazing lights and special holiday cocktails!
About Pearl Social Club:
Much like Santa Barbara itself, Pearl Social Club has a relaxed and sophisticated vibe. The décor is inspired by the Roaring Twenties, with rich wood paneling, plush leather chairs, and an ornate chandelier hanging overhead. The speakeasy-style bar serves up creative craft cocktails, while the menu features a blend of American comfort food and global flavors. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a quiet drink or want to dance the night away, the Pearl Social Club is sure to please.
And did we mention that it’s open on Christmas and New Years? That’s right, while most Santa Barbara businesses close up shop for Christmas and New Year’s, Pearl Social Club stays open for business. So if you’re looking for a place to escape the holiday madness, look no further than Pearl Social Club.
Never seen this sort of holiday pop up bar? The lights and atmosphere are sure to get anyone feeling a little grinch-like to get excited and in the best holiday spirit with a perfect holiday spirit!
Looking for a wonderful place to stay to come check out this extraordinary experience? We have the perfect vacation rental in Santa Barbara waiting for you!
With so many Vacation Rentals Management in Santa Barbara claiming to be the best, it can be hard to know who you should trust with your rental property. Many claim to be local, have local people or understand the vacation rental climate in Santa Barbara.
We are Santa Barbara locals, and we live here, too; this is our community. We care about your property like it’s our own.
After so many companies and individuals have entered the short-term vacation rental scene since pandemic, it’s critical to know the company that will be caring for your home in Santa Barbara and also how they vet your guests. Our process and procedures make sure you are protected, your home is taken care of and your guests leave ready to book their next stay at your home!
Reviews are also important. The company you choose to manage your vacation rental should be well-regarded on all platforms. If they aren’t Premier Partners or Superhosts on these sites, find out why.
Does their company website show guests reviews? Why not? Are they transparent with guests and owners about their added fees? Why not?
Full-Service Management
As a full-service property management company specializing in vacation rental management in Santa Barbara, we take care of everything. You can focus on enjoying your investment. Vacation rentals management doesn’t have to be hard work. Let us show you how easy it is.
Oh.. and we never charge onboarding fees! Don’t let your owner statements look like a hospital bill of added fees and maintenance costs and don’t let your guests pay fees they don’t and should not have to pay to rent your Santa Barbara home.
We do more and charge less. Yes, we are serious and passionate about what we do and how we can save money for our owners of rental properties in Santa Barbara. And for all our guests coming to Santa Barbara, too!
Join the Haller Coastal Homes Family of vacation rentals in Santa Barbara, our owner and guest reviews speak volumes!
Here at Haller Coastal homes, we are passionate about savings in Santa Barbaraa. We’re here to help you save money on your vacation to our sweet town.
Remember, when booking a vacation rental in Santa Barbara, check the “added fees” most local companies charge to book a vacation rental!
1. Rent a place that’s in close proximity to local attractions – this will save you on transportation costs
Most of our properties are 1-2 blocks from the beach in Santa Barbara!
2. Book your summer vacation rental and stay at least 7 nights to get the best discounts
Check in about our specials we offer to our repeat guests and promos we may be offering
3. Search for rentals that include amenities like a kitchen and laundry facilities – this will help you save money on food and laundry costs
All of our properties (except studios) include full stocked kitchens with more than enough supplies to save you money!
4. Ask about discounts for long-term stays or off-season rentals
We offer nice discounts when booking your vacation rental in Santa Barbara on our website directly
5. Avoid renting a place during major holidays or events, when prices are typically higher
Coming before or after a holiday or local event in Santa Barbara will help you save even more
6. Look for places with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms – this will help you avoid paying extra for guests
Many of our Santa Barbara vacation homes have enough rooms to share. Keep costs down!
7. BOOK DIRECT instead of at a corporate site which adds guest fees, service fees and more
Make sure to also check that the company you wish to book with doesn’t also tack on “Administrative Fees,” “Management Fees,” “Guest Tour Fees,” etc.
It truly is commonplace now that companies try to add hidden fees to their vacation rentals. We do not believe in nickel and diming guests and unless it’s a fee required by the property owner, we will never charge for this.
Visiting Santa Barbara should also include more than enough basic supplies and beach items, etc. These are also items we do not charge our guests for and believe the more we can provide for guests, the more we can save them both time and money during their stay in our vacation rentals in Santa Barbara.
Let’s help you create some savings in Santa Barbara. Book your stay today.
SANTA BARBARA, USA – JULY 28, 2008: people at scenic old wooden pier in Santa Barbara in sunset. The pier was completed in 1872 and was the longest pier at that time in the USA.
When most people think of California, they think of Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, there is so much more to this great state than just those two cities. Santa Barbara, for example, is a hidden gem on the Central Coast of California that is often overlooked by travelers. Here’s why you should add it to your list of must-visit beach destinations.
Santa Barbara Climate is Perfect
It has a Mediterranean climate, which means that it has mild winters and warm summers. The average high temperature in December is a balmy 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius), while the average high in August is a comfortable 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius). In other words, no matter what time of year you visit, you’re sure to enjoy beautiful weather.
It Has Something for Everyone
Whether you’re into wine tasting, hiking, biking, surfing or simply relaxing on the beach, it has something for you. The city is home to more than 200 wineries and offers miles of hiking and biking trails with stunning ocean views. If you’re looking to relax, head to one of Santa Barbara’s many beaches where you can sunbathe, build sandcastles, or go for a swim. There’s truly something for everyone in here.
The City Has a Rich History
It was founded by Spanish missionaries in 1786, and that rich history is evident throughout the city. From the spectacular Mission Santa Barbara to the stunning architecture downtown, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about it’s past. And if you’re a history buff, you’ll definitely want to add it to your list of must-visit destinations.
Don’t overlook Santa Barbara when planning your next trip to California. Stay like a local and rent a vacation rental in Santa Barbara with Haller Coastal Homes. Let us help you curate the perfect getaway with our concierge services and local guides. Best part..all our properties are centrally located in Santa Barbara, walking distance to the train station, downtown, the Funk Zone, harbor and pier!
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip and stay in your home away from home!