The Isla Vista Tenants Union (IVTU) is an A.S. student funded organization serving the interests of Isla Vista tenants. We recognize the diversity of our community, and we strive to meet the different needs of our members while uniting our common interests as tenants. We educate tenants on their rights and responsibilities, and we act as a resource when problems occur. We believe people should live without the suffering that arises from discrimination, retaliation, or neglect. We reach out to property managers, the University, elected officials, local groups and individuals to realize our vision and address pressing tenant issues. In providing a service to the tenants of Isla Vista, we also hope to build a united, educated, and proactive community.

This year IVTU organized several move-in and move-out workshops this year to help students with these transitions and make sure they fully understand their rights and obligations. IVTU was also engaged in numerous collaborative projects and initiatives.

IVTU worked with IV landlords and local officials to change local tenants rights legislation. This work led to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors revising Chapter 44 of Ordinance 4444 in the Santa Barbara County Code of Ordinances, extending eviction notices from 60 days to 90 days in cases where county mandated improvements force the property owner to evict tenants. These changes came in response to several instances in which landlords used improvements to ultimately price current tenants out of their homes.  The associated mass evictions included numerous families with children. Property owners must also pay relocations costs.

IVTU worked with the Executive Vice President for Local Affairs Office to represent students on the Rental Housing Roundtable in the discussions concerning the Social Host Liability Ordinance which went into effect during Fall Quarter. The ordinance calls for fines for anyone hosting a party where minors are drinking alcohol. Enforcement of the ordinance, who’s stated purpose is to curb teenage drinking, could have disproportionally affect IV student households, because they often include both minors and adults. IVTU and A.S. monitored implementation of the ordinance and provided advice to students to make sure that they weren’t unfairly targeted.