Rent Control: Long Beach vs Santa Monica
How do rent control rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Long Beach has fewer restrictions than Santa Monica.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach does not have its own rent control ordinance (repealed 2019). Rent increases are governed by CA AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019), capping rent at 5% + CPI annually. Applies to properties 15+ years old; exempts single-family homes and owner-occupied duplexes.
View full Long Beach 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 | Long Beach | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Local Rent Control | Repealed 2019 | - |
| State Law | AB 1482, 5% + CPI cap | - |
| Applies To | Properties 15+ years old | - |
| Exempt | Single-family, owner-occupied duplex | - |
| 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) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Long Beach FAQ
Is my apartment rent-controlled?
Units in buildings with 2+ units built before February 1, 1995 are covered under Measure EA.
How much can my rent increase?
Annual increases are capped at 3% or 60% of CPI, whichever is lower.
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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