A legal dispute between tenants and landlords at a Santa Barbara apartment complex is ongoing.
“We have not come to a conclusion. We are not settled,” said tenant Corina Svacina on Wednesday.
Svacina has lived in building A at 215 Bath Street for seven years. In January of this year, she and other tenants received eviction notices due to future renovation plans at the property. Since then, property manager Jeff Knapp has been sued by the City of Santa Barbara .
“My clients want to update the electrical, the plumbing, avoid lots of problems in the future, and avoid having, you know, any safety issues or concerns with the property for which they might be liable if there are,” said Lacy Taylor, a lawyer who is representing the property owners.
Svacina says most tenants have moved, but four remain in building A. They’ve been offered new leases at an 8.8% price increase for new units in building B, which Svacina says are not comparable.
“It’s also a downstairs unit. I live upstairs in a secure building where there’s a lock. You’re not able to get into the building without that. They also want us to start paying utilities. I currently do not pay utilities. It’s included in my rent,” Svacina said.