Rental Property Rules in Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with rental property rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Santa Monica falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Rental Registration

Santa Monica requires all rent-controlled units to be registered with the Rent Control Board. Annual registration fee is $240 per unit for 2025/2026. Half ($10/month) may be passed through to tenants with proper notice. The Board maintains a Maximum Allowable Rent database.

Key details: Registration: Required with Rent Control Board. Fee: $240/unit/year. Tenant Pass-Through: $10/month with notice. MAR Database: Public rent records maintained.

Rent Control

Santa Monica has one of California's strictest rent control laws, adopted by voters in 1979. The 2025 general adjustment is 2.3% (max $60 increase, effective Sept 1). Covers most multi-family buildings built before April 10, 1979. Annual registration fee is $240/unit.

Key details: Since: 1979 voter-approved. 2025 Adjustment: 2.3%, max $60. Coverage: Pre-April 1979 multi-family. Registration Fee: $240/unit/year ($10/mo pass-through).

Overcharging: tenant may recover excess rent plus treble damages. Registration required: non-registration bars rent increases. Wrongful eviction: substantial penalties and relocation assistance.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Santa Monica actively enforces its rent control requirements.

Relocation Assistance

Santa Monica landlords must pay a mandatory relocation fee when displacing tenants for demolition, Ellis Act withdrawal, owner-occupancy, or when imposing rent increases above the CPI+5% or 10% cap. Fees are set by City Council resolution and must be deposited in escrow before the termination notice is served.

Key details: Rent increase trigger: Exceeds lesser of CPI+5% or 10% cap. Tenant election period: 120 days after receiving triggering rent notice. Counseling fee per unit: $250 or City-approved Displacement Plan. Civil penalty for non-payment: $500 plus damages and attorneys' fees. Escrow requirement: Fee deposited before termination notice is served.

Failure to provide relocation assistance exposes the landlord to injunctive relief, civil damages equal to the unpaid fee, a $500 civil penalty, and reasonable attorneys' fees. Criminal conviction results in a fine up to $500 or up to six months in County Jail.

Compared to other cities, Santa Monica takes a harder line on relocation assistance. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Just Cause Eviction

Santa Monica enforces strict just-cause eviction protections. Tenants may only be evicted for enumerated at-fault or no-fault reasons. No-fault evictions require relocation assistance. Ordinance 2776 (2024) expanded anti-discrimination and harassment protections.

Key details: Just Cause: Required for all evictions. Relocation: Required for no-fault evictions. Ord. 2776: 2024 expanded protections. Enforcement: Rent Control Board.

This is one of the stricter rules in Santa Monica's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Santa Monica is tougher than many cities when it comes to rental property rules. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Santa Monica, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Santa Monica can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.