Rent Control in Santa Monica

Santa Monica limits the amount of rent a landlord can charge, including routine increases at lease renewals. Each rent-controlled unit has a base rate, known as the Maximum Allowable Rent (MAR). Rent may increase annually, known as General Adjustment (GA), at a percentage rate determined by the Rent Control Board. Tenants must be given proper notice of the increase. If a landlord attempts to raise rent higher than acceptable, the tenant may file a petition with the Board which may result in a rent adjustment.

Santa Monica’s Rent Control Law does not apply to all rental properties. Most residential rental properties built before April 10, 1979, when the law was adopted, are covered; however, there are many exemptions. To read more about Santa Monica’s rent control or to find out if the law applies to your rental property, visit smgov.net, or contact a local attorney.      

Santa Monica Eviction Protections

As a rent-controlled city, Santa Monica protects tenants from being evicted without cause. Permissible evictions are fault-based and include reasons like failure to pay rent, violating the lease, damaging the unit, and refusing to grant reasonable access to the landlord. Before evicting a tenant for cause, the landlord must provide the tenant with written notice to allow the tenant an opportunity to remedy the issue or face eviction.  

Santa Monica Tenant Relocation Assistance

If a tenant is evicted at no fault of their own, the tenant is entitled to relocation benefits. Tenants can recover temporary or permanent relocation assistance as appropriate. When a tenant is forced from their residence temporarily, the property owner must pay the tenant’s expenses.

Permanent relocation assistance is available to tenants by way of a one-time fee. Generally, tenants qualify for this benefit when the landlord decides to no longer lease the property either because the landlord wants to use the unit as a personal residence for herself or family, or simply because the landlord no longer wants to be in the rental market. In these situations, the landlord must pay a fee ranging from $16,500 to $33,650 depending on the tenant’s needs and circumstances.

Protections from Landlord Harassment & Discrimination

Tenants are protected from landlord harassment and discrimination under Santa Monica law. Landlords are prohibited from withholding services, entering the unit without notice, or using lies, intimidation, or otherwise disturbing the tenant. When the landlord engages in these activities intending to upset the tenant to the point of making the tenant want to vacate the property, it can result in a criminal misdemeanor charge punishable by jail and a fine, or it can be a civil violation costing the landlord a fine, attorneys’ fees, and punitive damages. Tenants should contact the City Attorney’s office to report harassment.

If you have questions about your rights or think your rights have been violated, contact Schwimer Weinstein today. Our tenant attorneys will help you get the protection you deserve.