Rent Control: Altadena vs Santa Monica
How do rent control rules compare between Altadena, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Altadena and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
The LA County Rent Stabilization & Tenant Protections Ordinance (RSTPO) caps annual rent increases in covered Altadena multi-unit buildings (built before Feb 1, 1995) at 3% or 60% of CPI, whichever is lower (effective 2025).
View full Altadena rules →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
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.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | LA County RSTPO (Ch. 8.52) | - |
| Cap (2025) | 3% or 60% CPI (lower) | - |
| Coverage | Multi-unit built pre-Feb 1, 1995 | Pre-April 1979 multi-family |
| Small Landlord Bonus | +1% | - |
| Admin Agency | LA County DCBA | - |
| Since | - | 1979 voter-approved |
| 2025 Adjustment | - | 2.3%, max $60 |
| Registration Fee | - | $240/unit/year ($10/mo pass-through) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Is Altadena under rent control?
Yes — covered multi-unit rentals built before Feb 1, 1995 are limited to 3% (or 60% of CPI) annual increases under the LA County RSTPO.
Santa Monica FAQ
Is my apartment rent-controlled?
Buildings with 2+ units built before April 10, 1979 are covered. Contact the Rent Control Board to verify.
How is Santa Monica's rent control different?
It's a voter-enacted charter amendment with its own Rent Control Board, making it among the strongest in the US.
Compare other topics
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